Impact of Dry Eye Disease on Psychological Symptoms in Chinese Doctoral Students Studying Abroad

Abstract Objectives : To evaluate the impact of dry eye disease (DED) on depression, anxiety, and stress in Chinese doctoral students studying abroad. Methods : The assessment of DED was conducted through the utilization of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), while the evaluation of psychological symptoms relied upon the abbreviated version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaire. Results : Of the 185 students, 129 completed the survey, of which 40 (31.0%) were male and 89 (69.0%) were female. The average age was 36.3±7.0 (mean±SD; range, 22–57) years. In the MANOVA, there was a significant impact of DED severity classification on psychological distress (V=0.19, F (9, 375) =2.83, p=0.003). Univariate ANOVAs indicated that DED severity had a significant impact on anxiety F (3, 125) =6.06, p=0.001 and stress F (3, 125) =3.00, p=0.033. Conclusions : Symptomatic DED was prevalent in Chinese doctoral students studying abroad. The study also revealed a significant association between aging and an elevated risk of DED, along with a noteworthy impact of the severity of dry eye symptoms on the severity of anxiety and stress symptoms.