Prevalence and phase-related changes in dry eye symptoms among Vietnamese medical students

Purpose

To investigate the prevalence of dry eye (DE) symptoms among Vietnamese medical students, with a focus on differences across academic years and changes associated with an inter-semester break.

Design

Cross-sectional, observational study.

Methods

A total of 405 medical students (Years 1–6) at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Vietnam, completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire at two time points: during a four-week inter-semester break (Phase 1) and one week after returning to academic activities (Phase 2). Participants also reported their average daily study duration using digital and printed materials. Dry eye prevalence (OSDI >13) and severity were analysed using multivariable models, including modified Poisson regression and cumulative logit models, adjusting for demographic, clinical, and behavioural covariates.

Results

DE symptom prevalence was high at both time points, increasing from 77.8 % in Phase 1 to 88.6 % in Phase 2 (p < 0.001). A significant rise in OSDI scores was observed in Phase 2, particularly among pre-clinical students (Years 1–3), who showed higher odds of more severe symptoms compared to clinical-year students. The most affected symptom domains included visual function and environmental triggers, with “windy conditions” and screen-related tasks frequently reported as aggravating factors. Study duration did not differ significantly between phases.

Conclusion

Dry eye symptoms are highly prevalent among medical students and worsen following academic resumption, especially in junior cohorts. Persistent visual strain and environmental exposures may contribute. Interventions targeting modifiable risk factors are warranted to support ocular health and academic performance.