Assessment of Awareness of Dry Eye in Youth and its Association with Extended Screen Time Use in Saudi Arabia

Shaima Sulaiman  Alharbi; Ghadah Mohammed Almutairi; Abeer Abdulghani  Alkhodier; Abdulmajeed  Alkhathemi; Hessa Mohammed  Almutairi; Wasan Abdullah  Almousa; Jehad Ahmed  Alabdulminaim; Ghada Abdulaziz  Alsadhan; Laila Saleh  Aldokhail; Deemah Othman  Almaziad

doi:10.3889/oamjms.2024.11995

Authors

Shaima Sulaiman Alharbi Ophthalmology Department, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
Ghadah Mohammed Almutairi Majmaah University, Majmaah - 11612, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4958-2438
Abeer Abdulghani Alkhodier College of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital/King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9343-5542
Abdulmajeed Alkhathemi Department of Ophthalmology, King Fahad Hospital, Al Baha Health Cluster, Al Baha, Saudi Arabia
Hessa Mohammed Almutairi College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0346-4927
Wasan Abdullah Almousa College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
Jehad Ahmed Alabdulminaim Department of Ophthalmology, Zulfi General Hospital, Second Health Cluster, Zulfi, Saudi Arabia
Ghada Abdulaziz Alsadhan College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Laila Saleh Aldokhail College of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1027-5506
Deemah Othman Almaziad College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2024.11995

Keywords:

dry eye, screen time, Electronic screen exposure, DED, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition characterized by discomfort and visual disturbances, often linked to prolonged screen time and other environmental or lifestyle factors. In Saudi Arabia, DED prevalence is increasing, especially among younger populations.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of DED, its associated risk factors, and awareness among Saudi youth.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted targeting 366 Saudi youth. The sample was recruited randomly, with the majority (89.3%) from the central region. Participants ranged in age from 19 to over 55 years, with a mean age of 28.6 ± 11.7 years. Data were collected via a self-administered electronic questionnaire covering demographics, screen time, awareness, and risk factors related to DED. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) was used to assess the severity of DED. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: The prevalence of DED was 67.8%, with 19.9% of cases being mild, 18% moderate, and 29.8% severe. Long use of computer screens (77%), fatigue (69.7%), and air pollution (68.9%) were the most commonly reported risk factors for DED. Significant associations were found between DED and factors such as female gender (p = 0.003), older age (p = 0.049), and prolonged TV screen time (p = 0.030). Awareness of DED was high, with 83.1% of participants reporting knowledge of the condition, primarily from internet sources and healthcare professionals. However, only 19.9% reported regular eye doctor visits, and 50.5% used cooling eye drops for symptom relief instead of artificial tears.

CONCLUSION: DED is highly prevalent among Saudi youth, with prolonged screen time, fatigue, and environmental factors contributing to the risk. Awareness is widespread, but healthcare- seeking behavior remains low. Strategies to promote early diagnosis, proper treatment, and preventive measures are needed to reduce the burden of DED in this population.

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