Impact of COVID-19 on the Prevalence of Dry Eye Among Young Adults in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.19.6.35
- Author:
Korching Sim
1
;
Lili Asma Ismail
1
Author Information
1. School of Optometry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, No.1, UCSI Heights, Jalan Menara Gading, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Prevalence, Dry eye, Covid-19, Ocular Surface Disease Index, Ocular Symptoms
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2023;19(No.6):263-269
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
film quality and the quantity of secretion. This low quality of tear secretion can lead to the rapid breakup of tears. In
recent times, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of dry eye has increased. Relevant studies
found that the prevalence of dry eye is higher in females than males. This research work is based only on symptoms
of dry eye disease in Malaysia to determine its prevalence among students at the UCSI University KL campus because
of the increase in reported cases of dry eyes especially post Movement Control Order (MCO). Methods: A total of
199 students, ranging in age 17 to 30, were included in this research. This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted on participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Demographic questionnaires and Ocular Surface Disease
Index (OSDI) results were collected. Results: On the UCSI KL Campus, students who suffer from dry eye are 82% of
the population. The Pearson Chi-Square test showed a significant difference between gender and dry eye, X2 (1, N=
199) = 8.64, p < 0.0033. Female students are more likely to develop dry eye than male students. Conclusion: The
prevalence of dry eyes among UCSI students is high. This could be attributable to prolonged or improper mask-wearing. It is suggested that researchers and health policymakers should take heed to these emerging risk factors related
to wearing of mask.
- Full text:11.2023my1689.pdf
