Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED), its associated factors, and the impact on quality of life (QOL) and mental health among medical students during the COVID-19 era using online surveys. Participants completed questionnaires covering demography, medical history, and personal data. The Thai version of the Dry Eye-related Quality of Life Score (DEQS-Th) was used for DED screening. The QOL and mental health challenges (support, coping, stress, and depression) were evaluated by the EuroQoL-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L) and Thymometer questionnaires. A total of 449 participants were analyzed, with a mean age of 21.8 years and 61.5% female. The prevalence of DED was 60.4% (95%CI 55.7–64.8). Preexisting DED (p = 0.001) and refractive errors (p = 0.007) were significantly associated with DED. The DEQS-Th score, the EQ-5D-5L score, and all aspects of mental health challenges were significantly worse in DED participants compared to non-DED participants. The DEQS-Th score was significantly correlated with the EQ-5D-5L index score and all issues of mental health challenges, though these correlations were not strong (r = 0.094 to 0.337, all p < 0.05). This study highlighted the high prevalence of DED among medical students during the pandemic and its negative impact on QoL and mental health.