Prevalence and Risk Factors for Symptomatic Dry Eye Disease Based on McMonnies Questionnaire Among Medical Students, Saudi Arabia; a Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common ocular problem that worsens patients' quality of life. This study aimed to assess DED prevalence and risk factors among medical students at the University of Tabuk.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is an analytical, cross-sectional, survey-based study. An online questionnaire was distributed by email to all medical students at the University of Tabuk. A self-administered McMonnies questionnaire was used in the assessment.

RESULTS

We included 247 medical students who completed the questionnaire. Most participants were females (71.3%) and were <25 years old (85.8%). DED prevalence rate was 18.2% (95% CI=13.61% to 23.61%). Furthermore, DED was found to be significantly associated with the presence of irritation of eyes when waking up from sleep (OR=19.315), sleeping with partially opened eyes (OR=19.105), redness and irritation of the eyes when swimming in chlorinated fresh water (OR=7.863), and having prescription eyedrops or other dry eye treatments (OR=3.083).

CONCLUSION

Our study at the University of Tabuk found that 18.2% of medical students had dry eye disease and identified the associated risk factors. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications due to the high prevalence of DED.