A study on correlation of computer vision syndrome and dry eye disease and knowledge regarding its associated factors amongst health professionals

PURPOSE: To know the magnitude and determinants of dry eye syndrome among health professionals and to study the correlation of computer vision syndrome with dry eye disease. METHODS: In total, 501 participants took part in the study, which included history followed by baseline ocular examination, which included visual acuity using Snellen’s chart and anterior segment examination using a slit lamp. Later, a questionnaire was administered to health professionals to be filled out for analysis in the present study. RESULTS: The symptoms reported occasionally were burning (35.5%), itching (34.5%), foreign body sensation 22.6%, and tearing (35.3%). The majority of participants used mobiles and laptops (56.1%) as a display. Also, 53.3% of participants have heard about dry eye syndrome, and the source of information was from friends and doctors in 17% of participants. One hundred twenty-one participants (24.2%) had taken the consultation for ocular symptoms. Eighty-six participants had mild, 29 participants had moderate, and 6 participants had severe dry eye disease, respectively. CONCLUSION: The pandemic effect, and the drastic shift of educational media from the classroom to the digital platform have increased the use of mobiles, laptops, or other digital pads for learning. This has increased the risk for health professionals.