Association of Sensitive Eyes with Sensitive Skin: A Worldwide Study of 10,743 Subjects

Sensitive eyes are commonly reported by patients, but there are very few epidemiological studies on this disorder. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the self-reported frequency of sensitive eyes and the association with sensitive skin.

A survey was performed on a representative sample of the population aged more than 18 years in five different countries (Brazil, China, France, Russia, and the USA). All participants answered a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics; skin phototype; eye color; tobacco consumption; exposure to sunlight, air pollution, or having pets; and sleep disorders. The presence of sensitive eyes, eyelids, or skin and their triggering factors were assessed with specific questions.

A total of 10,743 individuals (5,285 men and 5,458 women) were included in the study. Among them, 48.2% reported having sensitive skin and 46.0% reported having sensitive eyes. Sensitive eyes were more frequently reported by women (46.5%) than men (39.4%) in all countries, with the exception of China. The presence of sensitive eyes was more frequent if skin was very sensitive. More than half of subjects with sensitive eyes declared that their triggering factors were exposure to sunlight, dust, touch pad screens, or computer screens or dry air. They were more exposed to pollution and tobacco. Their phototype (including eye color) was lighter.

This large study shows that self-declared sensitive eyes are very frequent and commonly associated with sensitive skin. Triggering factors of sensitive eyes are more specific.