Scientists capture statistical snapshot of dry eye disease in South Korea

Researchers from Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, South Korea have outlined the prevalence of dry eye disease in the nation.

Writing in Scientific Reports, scientists examined data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment database – a nationwide registry with mandatory enrolment.

The five-year prevalence of dry eye disease between 2016 and 2020 within the population was 8.88%.

Dry eye disease prevalence was higher in women at 11.52% than men (5.92%), while prevalence also increased with age.

Around one in five (21.96%) of South Korean residents between the ages of 70 and 74 had dry eye disease.

The vast majority of people with dry eye disease (86.91%) received at least one medication, with single-use hyaluronic acid the most commonly prescribed medication followed by bottled steroids, bottled hyaluronic acid and bottled diquafosol.

The authors noted that while the prevalence of dry eye disease in South Korea is lower than previously reported global averages, the study population included individuals of all ages – including infants.

An individual was only categorised as having dry eye disease if it was the primary diagnosis – rather than being secondary to other systemic conditions or ocular diseases and surgery.

The authors observed that one of the strengths of South Korea’s universal health system is that many people can take advantage of regulated dry eye disease treatments.

“The widespread use of DED treatments highlights their accessibility and affordability within South Korea’s healthcare system,” the authors noted.