Abstract
Background and aim: Dry eye syndrome is one of the common ocular conditions for which patient seek ophthalmic care. The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of DES symptoms, risk factors and its impact on the quality of life among the general population of Al-Hasa region of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional sampling used to collect the data. The data were collected from 412 participants who met the inclusion criteria. Relevant information obtained from both genders males and females by using a standardized paper and electronic questionnaire. The collected data analyzed by using SPSS version 23. In the statistical analysis, Descriptive statistics, frequencies, and percentages were used to describe all variables. Results: A total of 412 participants who met the inclusion criteria, 282 (68.4%) were female and 130 (31.6%) were male and aged either between 31 and 40 years 114 (27.7%) or between 41 and 50 years 107 (26.0%). More than half 257 (62.4) had a bachelor's degree. The majority 224 (58.7%) had not heard about DES before. According to the quality of life, most of them correctly think that dry eye syndrome affects the patients physically, emotionally and psychologically in addition to the social life of the patients.
Conclusion: In conclusion, most of the participants have a moderate knowledge of dry eye. A planned educational program is needed; the educational level of the population needs to be taken into consideration when the program is planned.