THE PREVALENCE OF DRY EYE DISEASE AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN SAUDI ARABIA
Abstract
Introduction: Dry eye disease (DED), also known as dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is characterized by the hyperosmolarity of the tear film, affecting the tears and the surface of the eye. The overall incidence of DED varies from 5-50%. Symptoms of DED include ocular pain, light sensitivity, foreign body sensation, and visual disturbances such as fluctuating or blurred vision, intermittent visual disruption, dryness, and eye fatigue. This research aims on estimating the prevalence and risk factors of dry eye disease among university students in Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2024, involving a sample size of 385 university students, calculated using the Raosoft sample size calculator with a margin of error of 5% and a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Participants were recruited without restrictions on age, gender, or field of study. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, consisting of two parts and 20 questions, and a pilot study was conducted to refine the survey instrument. The collected data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 20.
Results: The study included 527 participants. Our study found a significant prevalence of DED among university students in Saudi Arabia (36.3%), particularly affecting female students and those aged 21 to 22 years. Notably, 84.4% of participants reported spending four or more hours daily on screens, correlating with increased DED symptoms. The demographic analysis revealed a predominance of female participants (72.9%), aligning with existing literature on gender-related DED prevalence.
Conclusion: Finally, this study adds to the increasing body of knowledge relating to the prevalence of DED amongst university students and the association of demographic and lifestyle factors. These findings show that DED is a very prevalent condition in young adults and show the need to recognize DED as a prevalent condition as suggested by the rising digital device multiplies.