Why Is Dry Eye Common in Saudi Arabia?
Dry eye disease (DED)
Dry eye disease (DED) is highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia, with significant impacts on quality of life and healthcare resources. National studies report DED prevalence rates ranging from 17.5% to over 77%, depending on region, age group, and diagnostic criteria [10, 12]. A large national survey found an overall prevalence of 49.5% among adults, with 16.4% reporting severe symptoms [10]. Other studies report prevalence as high as 77% in some samples, especially among youth and during the COVID-19 pandemic[12, 13].
In Saudi Arabian adults
DED significantly impairs physical, psychological, social, and environmental quality of life domains [12, 13]. Regional data (including Saudi cohorts) link dry eye with higher rates of depression and anxiety, which can add health-care and productivity costs (one Saudi series reported ≈ 42% had depression) [14].
Dry eye doesn't just cause discomfort
it also carries real costs for people, families, and the wider economy in Saudi Arabia. In a national Saudi survey, people with diagnosed dry eye reported spending about 328 SAR per year on lubricating drops alone (average; many spend more) [15]. A Saudi study found that all workers with dry eye reported productivity loss; those with severe disease said over one-third of their weekly work hours were affected (≈ 35.8%), with much higher difficulty focusing (59%) than mild cases [16].
Furthermore, multiple studies consistently show that DED
is more common in women. For example, one national study found a prevalence of 57.5% in females versus 43.5% in males, with female gender being an independent risk factor (OR 1.48). Hormonal factors, higher screen time, and more time spent indoors (with air conditioning) may contribute to this disparity [10, 12].
Studies during and after the COVID-19
pandemic report higher DED rates, especially among young adults and children. Prolonged mask use, increased screen time, and reduced outdoor activity during lockdowns have been linked to worsening DED symptoms. One study found DED prevalence of 68.6% among young adults during the pandemic, with higher severity in females and those aged 16–26 [17, 18]. Pediatric studies also report DED rates over 78% during the pandemic, with screen time as a major risk factor [19].