Assessment of Awareness of Dry Eye in Youth and its Association with Extended Screen Time Use in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition characterized by discomfort and visual disturbances, often linked to prolonged screen time and other environmental or lifestyle factors. In Saudi Arabia, DED prevalence is increasing, especially among younger populations. AIM: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of DED, its associated risk factors, and awareness among Saudi youth. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted targeting 366 Saudi youth. The sample was recruited randomly, with the majority (89.3%) from the central region. Participants ranged in age from 19 to over 55 years, with a mean age of 28.6 ± 11.7 years. Data were collected via a self-administered electronic questionnaire covering demographics, screen time, awareness, and risk factors related to DED. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) was used to assess the severity of DED. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of DED was 67.8%, with 19.9% of cases being mild, 18% moderate, and 29.8% severe. Long use of computer screens (77%), fatigue (69.7%), and air pollution (68.9%) were the most commonly reported risk factors for DED. Significant associations were found between DED and factors such as female gender (p = 0.003), older age (p = 0.049), and prolonged TV screen time (p = 0.030). Awareness of DED was high, with 83.1% of participants reporting knowledge of the condition, primarily from internet sources and healthcare professionals. However, only 19.9% reported regular eye doctor visits, and 50.5% used cooling eye drops for symptom relief instead of artificial tears. CONCLUSION: DED is highly prevalent among Saudi youth, with prolonged screen time, fatigue, and environmental factors contributing to the risk. Awareness is widespread, but healthcare- seeking behavior remains low. Strategies to promote early diagnosis, proper treatment, and preventive measures are needed to reduce the burden of DED in this population.