BACKGROUND: Dry eye, a multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface, is considered a significantly growing public health problem worldwide. AIM: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of dry eye disease (DED) in a population attending an eye hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. SETTING: The study was conducted at McCord Provincial Eye Hospital in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. METHODS: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted between July 2023 and August 2023. Diagnosis was confirmed with a SPEED score of ≥ 4 and a monocular tear break up time (TBUT) ≤ 10 s or Schirmer 2 ≤ 15 mm/5 min. Data were managed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 28. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of DED was 82.3% and highest in those >
65 years of age (odds ratios [OR] = 3.17
95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.45-6.94
CONCLUSION: The study revealed a high DED prevalence, which increased with age. Diabetes, hypertension and HIV were identified as significant risk factors for DED. Routine tear function evaluation should be an integral part of the assessment protocols of these highly susceptible patients. Furthermore, public health education in DED is essential to help reduce prevalence through the promotion of behaviour modifications. CONTRIBUTION: This study provides knowledge regarding the prevalence and risk factors of DED in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.