Prevalence and Risk Factors of Dry Eye Disease among Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Study on the Impact of Screen Time and Sleep Quality

Abstract Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition that significantly affects quality of life, especially in populations with high screen exposure such as medical students. This study aims to assess the prevalence of DED among medical students and explore its association with prolonged screen time and poor sleep quality. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 undergraduate medical students. The Ocular Surface Disease Index was used to assess the presence and severity of DED. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and screen time was measured using a validated questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between DED and variables such as screen time, sleep quality, and refractive error. Results: The overall prevalence of DED was 22.9% (95% CI: 19.1%–27.3%). Of the participants, 14.7% had moderate DED, and 8.3% had severe DED. Poor sleep quality (adjusted OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.48–3.73, P < 0.01) and heavy screen use (adjusted OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.15–3.06, P = 0.01) were found to be significant risk factors for DED. In contrast, students with refractive errors had a lower likelihood of developing DED (adjusted OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.27–0.72, P < 0.01). No significant associations were observed for gender, year of study, and alcohol use. Conclusion: The prevalence of DED among medical students was substantial, with heavy screen time and poor sleep quality identified as key risk factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions focusing on reducing screen exposure and improving sleep hygiene to mitigate the impact of DED in this population.