Prevalence of Dry Eye Syndrome among Preclinical Medical Students during Online Learning in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Erfira Fauzi, Umar Afandi Rahmad Nasution, Luluk Hermawati, Ni Luh Putu Eka Kartika Sari

Abstract


Background: Dry eye syndrome is a disorder of the tear film caused by inadequate tear production or excessive tear evaporation, leading to ocular surface damage, particularly in the interpalpebral area. Increased use of electronic devices during online learning in the COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to a higher prevalence of dry eye syndrome among medical students. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dry eye syndrome among preclinical medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, during online learning in the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study used a descriptive observational design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 191 preclinical medical students were selected using purposive sampling. Data was collected using a questionnaire assessing symptoms of dry eye syndrome and analyzed descriptively. Results: The results showed that 40 out of 55 male students (72.7%) and 92 out of 130 female students (70.7%) experienced symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Overall, 132 out of 191 students (71.4%) showed symptoms of dry eye syndrome during online learning. Conclusion: The prevalence of dry eye syndrome among preclinical medical students during online learning was high. Prolonged exposure to digital devices during distance learning may increase the risk of dry eye syndrome and negatively affect ocular health.

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.18860/jim.v10i2.45617

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