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Background: Dry eye disease (DED) occurs as a result of an abnormality in tear production, tear consistency, and tear evaporation. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with dry eye disease in a population-based setting in Southwest Nigeria. Patient and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical outreach at Iperu Remo in Nigeria. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 415 participants. Symptoms of dry eye were evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire. Tear film break-up time (TBUT), fluorescein staining, Schirmer test with anesthesia, and meibomian gland were evaluated. The diagnosis of DED was confirmed when the OSDI score is ≥13 and TBUT is less than 10 seconds. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and logistic regression analyses at a 0.05 level of significance. Results: The overall prevalence of DED was 28.2%. Adults aged between 31 and 40 years were 23 times more likely to be diagnosed with dry eyes (aOR = 23.13; 95% CI: 1.32 – 405.99; P = 0.032) compared to those between 16 and 20 years. Female adults were about four times more likely to be diagnosed with dry eyes (aOR = 3.59; 95% CI: 1.44 – 8.94; P = 0.006). The use of drugs was also significantly associated with dry eyes. Conclusion: This study shows a fairly high prevalence of DED among adults in a semi-urban area in Southwest Nigeria. Ophthalmologists and other eye care workers need to be cautious about the DED and offer appropriate treatment options to patients.

This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Author ENA conceived the study, was involved in data collection, laboratory analysis of blood samples and proof reading of the manuscript. Author OAO supervised the research. Author OAA did the statistical analysis, writing of the methodology and discussion while authors OJ and JS were involved in data collection. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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