Validation and repeatability assessment of the Chinese version of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), 5-item dry eye (DEQ-5), and contact lens dry eye questionnaire-8 (CLDEQ-8) questionnaires

Purpose: This prospective study aimed to validate the translated Chinese versions of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), 5-Item Dry Eye (DEQ-5), and Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire-8 (CLDEQ-8) questionnaires and test their repeatability. Methods: From August 2022 to July 2023, online (qualtrics.com) English and Chinese versions of OSDI, DEQ-5, and CLDEQ-8 questionnaires were distributed to residents of Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore ≥ 18 years old who could understand both written Chinese and English. Subjects who were regular contact lens wearers (wear contact lenses > 5 days/week and > 8 h/day) were invited to complete the English and Chinese versions of the CLDEQ-8 questionnaire. Those who were not regular contact lens wearers were requested to complete the English and Chinese OSDI and DEQ-5 questionnaires. Subjects who completed the questionnaires were invited to participate for the second time three days later. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient were used to test the internal consistency test–retest reliability of the translated questionnaires, respectively. Results: A total of 141 subjects completed the OSDI and DEQ-5 (50 (35 %) completed the second attempt) and 96 completed the CLDEQ-8 questionnaires (52 (54 %) completed the second time). All Chinese versions of the questionnaires showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient ≥ 0.872) and high reliability. There were no significant differences between the two attempts for Chinese OSDI and DEQ-5, but a statistically (not clinically) significant difference for the Chinese CLDEQ-8. This indicates that the Chinese version is clinically comparable to the English version. Conclusion: The Chinese versions of OSDI, DEQ-5, and CLDEQ-8 questionnaires showed adequate internal consistency and high reliability. Despite not being identical in measured scores, the translated Chinese questionnaires could effectively provide information about dry eye conditions and be used as alternative tools for assessing and diagnosing dry eye in clinical practice.