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Dry Eye Syndrome in Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Yun Kyeong Hwang1, Tae-Eun Lee1,2,3, In Cheon You1,2,3

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea.

Korean Journal of Ophthalmology : KJO
|October 22, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Dry eye syndrome (DES) prevalence increased in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. This nationwide study found higher DES incidence rates during the pandemic, particularly in older children and specific demographics.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant lifestyle changes, potentially impacting ocular health in children.
  • Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a common condition affecting the ocular surface, with increasing prevalence in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding the epidemiological shifts in DES during the pandemic is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence of dry eye syndrome (DES) in children under 18 years old before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To analyze population-based cohort data to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic season on DES occurrence.
  • To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with an increased risk of DES in children during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • Nationwide population-based cohort analysis using claims data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and Korean National Health Insurance Service.
  • Inclusion of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 (October 2020 - December 2021) and a control group without COVID-19 diagnosis.
  • Definition of DES cases using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes (H0411, H1621); primary outcome was hazard ratio for DES.

Main Results:

  • A total of 198,486 individuals in the COVID-19 season cohort and 211,828 in the non-COVID-19 season cohort were analyzed.
  • The cumulative incidence of DES was significantly higher during the COVID-19 season (6,419.64 per 100,000 person-years) compared to the non-COVID-19 season (5,804.88 per 100,000 person-years).
  • Increased risk of DES was observed in children aged 13-18 years, females, those in metropolitan areas, and individuals with diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of diagnosed dry eye syndrome in children significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Specific subgroups, including adolescents, females, urban residents, and those with diabetes, faced a higher risk of developing DES.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific factors contributing to the elevated DES prevalence during the pandemic.
Abstract

Keywords:
Big dataCOVID-19Dry eye syndromes

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