Dry Eyes among Visual Display Terminal Users Visiting the Outpatient Department of Ophthalmology of a Tertiary Care Centre.

INTRODUCTION

Visual display terminal usage has increased substantially in recent years across all age groups and is considered one of the major risk factors for dry eye disease. Early assesment of dry eyes and prevention is important. The aim of this study is to find the prevalence of dry eyes among visual display terminal users visiting the Outpatient Department of Ophthalmology of a tertiary care centre.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients visiting the Department of Ophthalmology in a tertiary care centre after receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Data was collected from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 90% Confidence Interval.

RESULTS

Among 94 visual display terminal users, the prevalence of dry eyes was 55 (58.51%) (50.18-66.84, 90% Confidence Interval).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of dry eyes among visual display terminal users visiting the Outpatient Department of Ophthalmology was similar to other studies done in similar settings.

KEYWORDS: dry eyes; health; prevalence.