Prevalence of dry eye disease-related symptoms higher in South America

(Image Credit: AdobeStock/Dana Britton)

Investigators from Colombia and Ecuador reported that the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED)-related symptoms in South America “is notably higher than global averages, highlighting regional challenges,”¹ according to first author Valentina Loaiza-Guevara from the Facultad de Medicina, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Americas, Pereira, Colombia.

The authors explained that while the prevalence rates of DED vary considerably worldwide, with published rates ranging from 11.59% to 50% and higher rates in Asian populations, particularly in China, Tibet and Korea,^2-5 the prevalence of DED in the Americas is less well-defined, with most data coming from the US with an estimated prevalence of about 8.1%.³ Generally, DED data from South America is scarce, and recent systematic reviews have largely focused on Brazil and Chile.⁶

The investigators conducted a systematic review to describe and analyze the prevalence of DED-related symptoms and their associated factors in South America using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and LILACS databases.

Studies were screened and selected that met the inclusion criteria. Ultimately, 16 studies were included, from six South American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela), with data obtained from 2008 to 2023.

Analysis of identified studies

The authors reported, “This review identified significant variability in the prevalence of dry eye disease-related symptoms in South American populations in the region, ranging from 4% to 77.5%, with a mean prevalence of 39.3%. Higher prevalence rates were observed among specific groups, such as university students (58.6%) and administrative workers (57.9%).”

The factors identified in association with DED-related symptoms in South America included female sex, older age, prolonged screen time, insufficient sleep, hypertension, connective tissue disorders and the use of medications such as antihypertensives and antidepressants.

Commenting on the result, the investigators pointed out that the prevalence of DED-related symptoms in South American populations is notably higher than global averages, highlighting regional challenges.

“This study emphasizes the need for standardized diagnostic tools and comprehensive epidemiological research across South America, and underscores the importance of conducting larger epidemiologic studies across the continent. These efforts are essential to fully understand the burden of dry eye disease and to develop effective public health strategies tailored to the specific needs of these populations,” the authors concluded.

References

1. Loaiza-Guevara V, Salazar-Santoliva C, Villota-Arevalo AJ, et al.Understanding the dry eye disease-related symptoms in South America: prevalence and associated factors—a systematic review. J Clin Med. 2024;13:6060; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13206060

2. Stapleton F, Alves M, Bunya, VY, et al. TFOS DEWS II Epidemiology Report. Ocul Surf. 2017;15:334–365.]

3. McCann P, Abraham AG, Mukhopadhyay A, et al. Prevalence and incidence of dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction in the United States. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2022;140:1181–1192.

4. Dana R, Bradley JL, Guerin A, et al. Estimated prevalence and incidence of dry eye disease based on coding analysis of a large, all-age United States health care system. Am J Ophthalmol. 2019;202:47–54.

5. Papas EB. The global prevalence of dry eye disease: a Bayesian view. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2021;41:1254–1266.

6. Chen H, McCann P, Lien T, et al. Prevalence of dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction in Central and South America: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Ophthalmol. 2024;24:50.