PREVALENCE OF DRY EYE SYNDROME AMONG STUDENTS OF THE FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY

ABSTRACT

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a multifactorial ocular disorder that significantly affects the quality of life of those afflicted. While DES is commonly associated with aging, recent studies have indicated a rising prevalence of DES among younger populations. This abstract provides a summary of the current state of knowledge regarding the prevalence of DES in young individuals. The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of dry eye syndrome among students using questionnaires, tear flow rate and tear stability. The tear flow rate was determined using Schirmer’s strip and the tear stability was assessed using Noninvasive tear break-up time. This study was an observational design and convenient sampling technique was used. A total sample size of 80 participants were investigated. Descriptive analysis mean values for the tear flow rate and tear stability were (13.18 ± 6.41 mm/5mins), (11.85 ± 3.69 seconds) respectively. Based on McMonnies questionnaire, the prevalence of dry eye syndrome among the study population was 31.25% (n=25) were classified as moderate which consist of 13 males and 12 females. In OSDI questionnaire the prevalence of dry eye syndrome among the study population was 35% (n=28) were classified within the range of mild to severe which consists of 9 males and 19 females. In the DEQ-5 questionnaire the prevalence of dry eye syndrome among the study population was 47.5% (n=38) were classified within the range of moderate to severe which consists of 19 males and 19 females. In conclusion, the results of the study showed that females students are more prone to dry eye syndrome. The tear flow rate was normal while there is less stability of the tear film which may be as a result of some elements of meibomian gland dysfunction in the cause of the DES, while the main implicated is the main lacrimal gland and accessories glands. There is also need to raise awareness among healthcare professionals, educators, and the general public about the growing prevalence of DES among young populations.