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Assessment of Dry Eye Syndrome among Computer Programmers in Computer Training Institutes in Benin City


Ayishetu Oshoke Shuaibu
Sarah Ikhuemose Ebuwa
Abimbola Esther Ikuemonisan Ikuemonisan

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dry eye syndrome among computer programmers in computer training institutes in Benin City.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out using 250 participants of 18 years and above who were computer instructors and students of various computer training institutes in Benin City. Sociodemographic data and relevant ocular history were obtained from the participants. External and Internal examinations of the eyes were carried out to check for the presence of any ocular abnormalities. Dry
eye disease was assessed subjectively with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and objectively by performing  Schirmer’s test and Tear Break-up Time (TBUT). Participants with an OSDI score of ≥35 and who had < 10mm to Schirmer’s I test or < 10secs in Tear break-up Time (TBUT) test were considered to have dry eye.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 25.32 ± 7.38 years and 68% were males. The prevalence of dry eye among the computer programmers was found to be 30.8%. Mean TBUT and Mean Schirmer’s Test value for those with dry eye was 10.21s±3.44s and 12.46 ± 7.27mm respectively. This study showed that age (p=0.213), gender (p=0.243) and duration of time spent on computer display units (p=0.124) were not statistically significant determinants of dry eye among the computer programmers.
Conclusion: Computer programmers are predisposed to developing dry eye diseases. It is therefore imperative for them to go for regular eye examination to prevent ocular surface disorders and therefore maintain comfortable vision.


Keywords: Dry Eye, Schirmer Test, Tear Break-up Time, Ocular Surface Disease Index, Computer Programmer.


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eISSN: 0795-0039
print ISSN: 0795-0039