Dry eyes among information technology professionals in India

AIM: To perform the determination ofthe burden of dry eye syndrome among information technology(IT)professionals and examine association of dry eye syndrome between various daily activities. <p>METHODS: This was a pilot cross-sectional study conducted for a period of 3mo from October-December, 2013 in Chennai, South India. The study population was enrolled from three IT companies in a city in Chennai. The inclusion criteria consisted of individuals working in the IT industry at least for a period of 6mo, aged 18y or above and giving voluntary, written informed consent. Variable information was gathered by using series of questionnaires and ophthalmic assessment. Information about sociodemographic characteristics was also gathered. Schirmer's test was performed for ophthalmic assessment. All of the analysis was performed by using SPSS vs.16. <p>RESULTS: About one fifth(<i>n</i>=36, 18%)of the participants were suspected to have dry eyes, with mean age of 29y(SD=7), and majority of them being males, graduates/ postgraduates, single, living in extended families in urban areas. Windy environment significantly showed to aggravate redness(<i>P</i>=0.04)and burning sensation of the eyes(<i>P</i>=0.000). Similarly, watching television significantly showed to aggravate gritty sensation(<i>P</i>=0.01)and led to excess mucous in the eyes(<i>P</i>=0.02). <p>CONCLUSION:Based on the results of our study, it can be concluded that the exposure to various daily activities such as watching television, using computer, reading, and use of air conditioning and windy environments(dry environments)were associated with signs and symptoms of dry eyes. Also, watching television and windy environment were significantly positively correlated with some of the signs of dry eye. This study emphasizes the urgent need of multi-factorial approach including policy measures for addressing the burden of dry eye in population