PREVALENCE OF DRY EYE SYMPTOMS AMONG HEALTH WORKERS OF NATIONAL MEDICAL COLLEGE AND TEACHING HOSPITAL FOLLOWING CORONA VIRUS DISEASES-19 PANDEMIC

Introduction: With the outspread of global pandemic novel Corona virus disease, use of face masks is taken as a vital deed against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. The aim of this study was to evaluate prevalence of dry eye symptoms among health workers. Materials and Methods: A total of 169 health workers meeting the inclusion criteria were selected by simple random sampling from respective department. Data were obtained by providing with questionnaire established by the researcher and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) to the participants from November 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 at National Medical College and Teaching Hospital. Results: The mean age of the patient was 31.74±7.34 years (range 19-56). On the basis of OSDI score, 27(15.9%) had mild, 15(8.87%) had moderate, and 44(26.03%) had severe dry eye symptoms respectively. Duration of mask wear and Visual Display Unit (VDU) usage were two variables that were statistically correlated with OSDI (p<0.01). The OSDI was not statisticallycorrelated with age, glass wear and sleep duration. Conclusion: With the emergence of novel Corona virus, measures like mask wear, online classes using VDU are must during these pandemics. With the increasing use of controlling measures, it is prime responsibility of ophthalmic faculty to start awareness regarding proper use of these measures among citizens to prevent Dry Eye Symptoms.