Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Eye Allergies Among Adults In Ksa: A Cross- Sectional Study
Published 2024 - 42nd Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: PO893 | Type: Poster | DOI: 10.82333/w4rp-dm13
Authors: Hussein Morfeq* 1 , Hoda Abousada 2 , Alhassan Alghamdi 3 , Orjuwan Bukhari 4 , Iftikhar Alanazi 5 , Ruba Alghamdi 6 , Renad AlGaedy 7 , Hashem Alghamdi 8 , Saleh Ghulaysi 9 , Khaled Talea 10
1Surgery - Ophthalmology,King Abdulaziz University,Jeddah - Rabigh,Saudi Arabia, 2Department of Obstetric & Gynecology ,King faisal specialist hospital ,Jeddah,Saudi Arabia, 3Department of Ophthalmology ,Prince Meshari Bin Saud Hospital,Albaha,Saudi Arabia, 4King Khalid university,King Khalid university,Abha,Saudi Arabia, 5King fahad general hospital ,Jeddah,Saudi Arabia, 6Albaha university,Albaha,Saudi Arabia, 7King Fahad General Hospital,Jeddah,Saudi Arabia, 8Emergency Department ,Abha,Saudi Arabia, 9Jazan University,Jazan,Saudi Arabia, 10Mohayel General Hospital,Mohayel Aseer,Saudi Arabia
Purpose
To determine the prevalence of eye allergies and associated risk factors among adults in Saudi Arabia.
Setting
The study is conducted in multiple urban and rural regions across KSA to ensure a representative sample. A diverse set of locations is chosen to account for potential regional variations in eye allergy prevalence and risk factors. The target population consists of adults (18 years and older) residing in KSA. The sample size is calculated to achieve statistical significance and power, with considerations for potential non-response and dropout rates.
Methods
A questionnaire was adopted for data collection. Data is collected through structured interviews and questionnaire-based surveys. The data collection process was conducted over a specified period to ensure uniformity and minimize seasonal variations. Descriptive statistics are used to summarize the prevalence of eye allergies and risk factors. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses are employed. Anonymity and confidentiality are maintained throughout the study. The study also obtains the necessary ethical approvals from relevant institutional review boards or ethics committees in compliance with national and international research ethics standards.
Results
The study included 640 participants, with 60.8% females and 251 39.2% males. Co-morbidities were assessed as follows: diabetes (9.1%), hypertension (6.6%), asthma (7.9%), systemic lupus erythematosus (0.3%), ulcerative colitis 2.0%), arthritis (6.9%), and autoimmune disease (n = 10, 1.4%). Ocular allergic symptoms included: itchy eyes (n = 425, 66.40%), photophobia (light sensitivity, n = 384, 60%), foreign body sensation (n = 295, 46%), redness (n = 79, 12.34%), and blurry vision (n = 533, 83.28%). Spontaneous resolution of allergic eye disease without treatment occurred in 40% (192 participants) of the study population. Ocular allergy is affecting daily activities "most of the time" in 9.4% (n = 60).
Conclusions
Allergic eye disease is not uncommon in Saudi Arabia. This disease affects daily patient function and productivites. If not diagnosed and treated early, ocular allergic signs and symptoms may lead to other complications such as keratoconus, ocular surface scarring, dry eye disease or refractive errors. Awareness of nature of allergic eye disease, signs and symptoms and modalities of treatment is important to avoid visual complications.