Prevalence and incidence of dry eye disease in Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is the most common ocular surface disease, which severely affects the quality of life. An overall estimate of the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors of DED in Asia would help in planning and implementing appropriate public health strategies. Objectives: The present study aimed to study the epidemiology of DED in Asia. Methods: A comprehensive and systematic search was performed using several databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, in January 2021. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed on logit-transformed prevalence and incidence rates to calculate pooled prevalence and incidence estimates. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed to explain the heterogeneity. Results: Among the 6,742 articles identified, 23 were included in the analysis, with a total sample size of 1,488,935 subjects. Twenty studies reported the prevalence of DED in Asia, two studies reported the incidence, and one study reported both prevalence and incidence. The estimated pooled prevalence of DED in any population in Asia was 20.1% (95% confidence interval [1]: 13.9% –28.3%), and the incidence 16.7% (95% CI: 0 %–34.9%). The prevalence rate of DED in males and females was 16.4% (95% CI: 10.0%–25.8%) and 21.7% (95% CI: 14.7%–30.8%; P
Source: Ophthalmic Research - Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research