Effect of Refractive Error Correction on Dry Eye Disease among Computer Operators of Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar

Doi: 10.36351/pjo.v41i1.1936

Abstract

Purpose:  To determine the frequency of dry eye disease and association of refractive error correction on dry eye disease among computer operators.

Study Design:  Cross-sectional.

Place and Duration of Study:  Hayatabad Medical complex, Peshawar from June 2022 till December 2022.

Methods:  This study recruited 93 computer operators in Hayatabad Medical Complex. Data collection began after approval from hospital ethical and research committee. Symptoms of dry eye were recorded in a pre-designed proforma after obtaining written informed consent. The Schirmer test was used to measure tears volume.Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Quantitative variables were described as mean + standard deviation and categorical values in frequency and percentages. Post stratification chi square test was utilized. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant

Results:  The mean age of the subjects was 38.7 + 8.5 years. There were 75.3% males. The mean duration of the job was 8.1 + 3.5 years and mean daily computer use was 8 + 2.2 hours. Use of spectacles was reported by 30.1% participants and contact lenses by 17.2%. Dry eye disease (on Shirmer’s test) was recorded in 24.7%. Refractive errors correction had no statistically significant effecton dry eye disease (for glasses p=0.313 and contact lens p=0.193).

Conclusion:  Dry eye disease is significantly high in our population among avid screen users, but the refractive error correction has no effect on dry eye disease.