Risk factors: Common causes of dry eye in China include:
- Prolonged screen time due to heavy academic workload or digital device
usage. - Significant psychological stress.
- Environmental factors like geographical region. Higher rates have been
observed in northern and western China, possibly due to low humidity and
high altitude. - Poor sleep quality.
- Being female.
Dry eye in the UAE
Research has confirmed that dry eye is a widespread issue in the UAE, affecting a large
percentage of the population.
Prevalence: Prevalence: One study in Dubai estimated that 62.6% of participants had dry
eyes, a figure about three times higher than a widely cited global average.
Risk factors: Factors contributing to the high rates in the UAE include:
- The hot, arid climate, which causes rapid evaporation of tears.
- Widespread use of air conditioning, which reduces indoor humidity.
- Extensive use of digital devices and contact lenses.
- Exposure to pollutants and sandstorms.
Chinese residents in the UAE: A double risk
For Chinese residents in the UAE, the risks for dry eye are compounded by both their
ethnic background and their local environment. Added risk factors are :
- Higher genetic predisposition: Research suggests East Asian populations have a
greater prevalence and severity of dry eye symptoms compared to others , - Environmental stress: Chinese residents are then subjected to the intense heat,
low humidity, and heavy air conditioning prevalent in the UAE.
possibly due to anatomical or meibomian gland differences.
Therefore, Chinese individuals living in the UAE are likely to have a very high risk of
developing or exacerbating dry eye disease due to a combination of inherent ethnic
factors and harsh environmental conditions.
Relevant preventive measures can improve the eye conditions and can have a positive
impact in terms of health and quality of life. And can improve the academic
performance in school and university students.
