Assessment of Dry Eye Disease Symptoms in Health Science University Students: A Combined Approach Using CVS-Q and Schirmer Tear Test to Evaluate the Influence of Digital Devices.
Ragad Allwihan, Amani Y Alhalwani, Abdullah Aleissa, Ali S Alsudais, Mohammed F Gholam
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: The swift development of our digital lives has led to a significant reliance on devices for everyday tasks, including education. The adverse effects of these devices on health are the subject of numerous studies and investigations. In this study, we assessed the relationship between answers to the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) and the Schirmer tear test for the detection of symptoms of Dry Eye Disease (DED). Qualitative and quantitative data were combined to examine the association between electronic device use and the appearance of such symptoms in health science students in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in Jeddah among 111 students from October 2023 to May 2024. DED symptoms were investigated in two steps: first, using the CVS-Q; and second, with the Schirmer tear test under topical anesthesia (1.0% tetracaine hydrochloride eye drops).
Results: The CVS-Q findings showed that a majority of students (58.9% of males and 86.8% of females) used tablets for online courses. The average distance at which the students placed their devices from their eyes was between 25cm and 45cm (58.9% of males, 65.79% of females). Most students (90.4% of men, 92.1% of women) used devices for more than five hours a day. Women reported more DED symptoms than did men, especially burning, dryness, and headache (63.16%), while the men mostly experienced dryness (47.95%). The CVS-Q indicated that 41.10% of males and 57.89% of females had dry eyes, while the Schirmer test indicated that 30.14% of males experienced greater dryness. A negative correlation was found between CVS-Q scores, Schirmer test results, and the influence of digital device use among students, by gender.
Conclusion: This study found that assessing DED-like symptoms via the link between the CVS-Q score and the Schirmer test may indicate the influence of digital device use among healthcare students.
期刊介绍：
Clinical Optometry is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal focusing on clinical optometry. All aspects of patient care are addressed within the journal as well as the practice of optometry including economic and business analyses. Basic and clinical research papers are published that cover all aspects of optics, refraction and its application to the theory and practice of optometry. Specific topics covered in the journal include: Theoretical and applied optics, Delivery of patient care in optometry practice, Refraction and correction of errors, Screening and preventative aspects of eye disease, Extended clinical roles for optometrists including shared care and provision of medications, Teaching and training optometrists, International aspects of optometry, Business practice, Patient adherence, quality of life, satisfaction, Health economic evaluations.
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