Dr.Alia Yamin

Dr.Neelima Mehrotra

Abstract

Objective : To estimate the prevalence of dry eye disease among medical professionals during lockdown period 2020.

Materials & Methods : This was a cross-sectional hospital-based, observational study, that included 50 medical professionals as subjects. The study compares the increase in the number of hours spent on Visual Display Terminals before and during the lockdown period, causing dry eye. It is a questionnaire based survey data using Ocular Surface Disease Index.

Results : The mean number of hours spent on VDTs before lockdown was 2.82±1.32 hours and during lockdown was 6.26±4.76 hours. According to OSDI scoring, 23/50 subjects developed DED.

Conclusion : The prevalence of dry-eye disease among medical professionals during the lockdown period was 46% and was directly proportionate to exposure time to VDT during the lockdown.. This was attributed to the increased dependence on VDTs for various purposes.