ASSESS THE PREVALENCE, DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE, SEVERITY AND RISK FACTOR OF DRY EYE SYNDROME AMONG COMPUTER ENGINEERING STUDENT - A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a multifactorial disease causing ocular discomfort and visual disturbances, especially prevalent among individuals with prolonged screen time. Objectives: To assess the prevalence, demographic profile, severity, and risk factors of DES among computer engineering students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 239 computer engineering students at Shri Shankaracharya Technical Campus, Bhilai. Data on demographics, screen time, physical activity, and ocular symptoms were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the findings. Results: DES symptoms were prevalent in the study group, with 82% reporting dryness and 85% eye fatigue. A majority (75.7%) had screen exposure exceeding 4 hours per day. Females, although fewer in number (37.2%), reported more severe symptoms. Physical activity was limited to 11.2% of participants. Symptom severity increased over time, with more individuals reporting persistent symptoms after three months. Conclusion: Prolonged screen exposure significantly contributes to DES symptoms among students. Regular physical activity and preventive eye care practices are recommended to mitigate this growing public health issue.