Factors influencing the 8-item contact lens dry eye questionnaire score and comparison of translations in Japanese soft contact lens wearers

Abstract

PurposeTo determine (1) the factors associated with a high degree of self-reported symptoms with Japanese translations of the 8-Item Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire (J-CLDEQ-8) in a cross-section of soft contact lens (SCL) wearers in Japan and (2) whether the difference in translation of the CLDEQ-8 affects the scores between validated and non-validated versions of the Japanese translation. MethodsHabitual SCL wearers completed the validated J-CLDEQ-8 and a previous non-validated version. Demographics and SCL history questions were queried when they presented for routine eye care in nine geographically distinct clinics across Japan. The following risk factors for high J-CLDEQ-8 scores (≥11) were tested: sex, age, SCL replacement (daily disposable vs. bi-weekly and monthly reusable), years of SCL wear, and self-reported use of rewetting drops. The scores of the validated and non-validated questionnaires were compared. ResultsSignificant patient-related risk factors for high J-CLDEQ-8 scores were female sex, use of reusable SCLs, longer years of SCL wear, and use of rewetting drops. Scores for six out of eight questions in the validated J-CLDEQ-8 were significantly higher than those of the non-validated version, resulting in a significant difference in the average total score between the two questionnaires (validated J-CLDEQ-8: 10.5 ± 5.9 vs non-validated J-CLDEQ-8: 9.5 ± 5.8, P < 0.001). ConclusionsFemale sex, use of reusable SCLs, longer years of SCL wear, and use of rewetting drops were significant risk factors for high J-CLDEQ-8 scores in a cross-sectional clinical population of Japanese SCL wearers. Symptoms with SCL are not predicted by age and must therefore be queried at follow-up visits for all SCL wearers. Differences in the two translations affected the ability of the questionnaire to identify individuals with high symptoms associated with SCL wear.