Objective  To investigate the status of xerophthalmia in middle school students in Guanzhong area of Shaanxi Province and analyze the related factors.

  Methods  A questionnaire survey was conducted among 294 middle school students (12 to 18 years old) in Guanzhong area of Shaanxi Province from October 2016 to October 2018. Xerophthalmia examination was carried out for those with main complaints, and the prevalence rate of xerophthalmia was counted. According to whether suffering from xerophthalmia or not, the subjects were divided into xerophthalmia group and non xerophthalmia group. The general data of the two groups was compared, and the risk factors of xerophthalmia were analyzed.

  Results  Among 294 middle school students, 41(13.94%) cases had xerophthalmia. The ratios of subjects with myopia, history of xerophthalmi, contact lenses or beautiful pupil, application of eye drops frequently, video terminals ≥4 h/d, no eye care measures in the xerophthalmia group were significantly higher than those in the non xerophthalmia group (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that myopia, history of xerophthalmia, wearing contact lenses or cosmetic contact lenses, using eye drops frequently, and time of video terminals using ≥4 h/d were the independent risk factors of xerophthalmia (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  The prevalence rate of xerophthalmia is high in middle school students in Guanzhong area of Shaanxi Province. Myopia, history of xerophthalmia, wearing contact lenses or cosmetic contact lenses, using eye drops frequently, and time of video terminals using ≥4 h/d are closely related to the incidence of xerophthalmia.