Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most frequently encountered ocular morbidities. 25% of patients who visit ophthalmic clinics report symptoms of dry eye, making it growing public health. This study estimated the prevalence of eye dryness and to determine the risk factors for dry eye in the general population in the Northern Region, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional community-based study, conducted among 384 Saudi and non-Saudi males and females of 15 years of age and above, in Arar, the Northern region of Saudi Arabia, during the period from 1 November 2018 to 31 January 2019. The data were collected by using a predesigned questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of dry eye disease in the sample was 36.5%. Reported symptoms were feeling gritty or sandy sensation in the eye 36.3%, burning sensation 40.3%, and sometimes having red-eye 44.9%. Dry eye disease was more prevalent in females 76.9% than males 23.1% (p = 0.521), there was no significant relation with age (p = 0.66) and was more prevalent in 2130 age group (46.2%). In cases with DED, there were 13.2% who wore contact lenses and 22.2% wore glasses (p = 0.004). There was insignificant relation with osteoporosis, joint or rheumatic problems, bronchial asthma, thyroid diseases, high blood cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and aspirin administration; however, it was positively associated with the previous history of trachoma. Conclusion:The prevalence of dry eye disease in this sample was 36.5%, with significant positive relation with wearing contact lenses and glasses, and previous history of trachoma.
Key words: Eye dryness, prevalence, risk factors, Northern Region, Saudi Arabia.
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