Prevalence and Risk Factors of Dry Eye Syndrome Among University Students and Its Impact on Visual Performance and Quality of Life
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20094723
Keywords:
Dry Eye Syndrome, Dry Eye Disease, University Students, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Digital Eye Strain, Screen Time, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Visual Performance, Quality Of Life, Tear Film Instability, 20-20-20 RuleAbstract
Dry eye syndrome (DES/DED) has emerged as a significant public health concern among university students, with symptomatic prevalence ranging from 60% to 89% across various global cohorts. This review synthesizes the multifactorial pathophysiology centered on tear film instability, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), hyperosmolarity, and ocular surface inflammation, driven primarily by prolonged digital screen exposure, reduced blink rate, environmental factors (low humidity, air conditioning), contact lens wear, eye cosmetics, and behavioral habits such as tobacco use and poor ergonomics. Higher prevalence is consistently observed in female students and those in advanced academic years. The condition substantially impairs visual performance (reduced reading speed, fluctuating vision, higher-order aberrations), academic productivity, sleep quality, and psychological well-being, with strong associations to anxiety, depression, and presenteeism. Effective management strategies include the 20-20-20 rule, ergonomic improvements, artificial tears, thermal pulsation therapies, and institutional screening programs. Early recognition and preventive interventions are critical to mitigate the long-term impact on visual function and quality of life in this high-risk young adult population.
