Introduction:

Dry eye disease (DED) is a major cause of disability in the world caused by ocular discomfort, visual disturbance, and tear film instability with potential damage to the ocular surface. This study aims to determine the prevalence and identify associated risk factors for DED in creative industry workers in Jakarta.

Methods:

A consecutive sampling was conducted with 418 participants (146 men and 272 women; mean age 23.3 years (14 to 45 years) answered a self-administered questionnaire to obtain sex, age, contact lens use, and smoking history. Symptoms of DED were assessed using a Ocular Surface Index (OSDI) questionnaire. The OSDI questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring DED severity (normal, mild to moderate, and severe).

Results:

413 (98.8%) participants were found to have DED symptoms based on OSDI questionnaire (severe, 247; moderate, 108; mild, 58). The most frequent symptoms were disturbance when working with computer and sensitive to light. Among the participants with DED symptoms, 143 (34.6%) were males and 270 (65.4%) were females. History of contact lens use significantly associated with a higher risk of DED in the study population.

Conclusion:

DED symptoms is prevalent in older worker. The findings of higher risks among worker with history of daily contact lens use points to the need for further research on the impact of lifestyle on DED. Changes in the modifiable risks could lead to a better quality of life of creative industry workers.

Keywords: Dry Eye Disease, Prevalence, Clinical Manifestation, Predisposing Factors