Relationship between present situation of dry eyes and quality of life in a community in Shanghai

ObjectiveTo explore the prevalence of dry eye and quality of life in elderly people in a community in Shanghai.

MethodsStratified random sampling was conducted to investigate disease condition of elderly dry eye in a community.The quality of life(QL) of 600 elderly patients was evaluated by 36 items of concise scale(SF-36) and visual impairment quality of life scale (SQOL-DVI).

ResultsOf the 600 people selected, 413 were diagnosed with dry eyes, accounting for 68.8%.The overall health-related quality of life in patients with dry eyes declined, especially in the aspects of physiological function(PF), social function(SF), emotional influence on role function (RE), mental health(MH)and vitality(VT).The above results were consistent with the visual quality of life test results.

ConclusionThe rate of elderly dry eyes is high, and dry eyes have different effects on the quality of life in the elderly.Attention should be paid to the social and psychological status of patients with dry eyes and the factors influencing their quality of life.A rational regimen should be made so as to get the most appropriate treatment for dry eyes.