The Effect Of The Use Of Contact Lenses On The Incidence Of Dry Eyes In The Faculty Of Medicine, University Of North Sumatra

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The Effect of the Use of Contact Lenses on the Incidence of Dry Eyes in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra

Introduction

The use of contact lenses has become a popular choice for many people who want to improve their vision without having to use glasses. Among students, especially in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, contact lenses are often chosen due to aesthetic and comfort factors. However, it should be noted that the use of inappropriate contact lenses can trigger health problems, one of which is dry eyes. Dry eyes are a condition in which the eye cannot produce enough tears to maintain the humidity needed. These symptoms can cause discomfort, blurred vision, and in more severe cases, can cause damage to the surface of the eye.

The Importance of Understanding the Effects of Contact Lenses on Eye Health

At present, the use of contact lenses not only serves to improve refraction abnormalities, but is also often used for cosmetic and therapeutic reasons. However, research shows that about 50% of contact lens users experience dry eye symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to understand how the use of contact lenses can affect eye health, especially for students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the use of contact lenses and the incidence of dry eyes among students in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra.

Research Background

Contact lenses have become a popular choice for many people who want to improve their vision without having to use glasses. Among students, especially in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, contact lenses are often chosen due to aesthetic and comfort factors. However, it should be noted that the use of inappropriate contact lenses can trigger health problems, one of which is dry eyes. Dry eyes are a condition in which the eye cannot produce enough tears to maintain the humidity needed. These symptoms can cause discomfort, blurred vision, and in more severe cases, can cause damage to the surface of the eye.

The Prevalence of Dry Eyes among Contact Lens Users

Research has shown that about 50% of contact lens users experience dry eye symptoms. This is a significant concern, especially for students in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, who spend long hours studying and using electronic devices. The use of contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, especially if the lenses are not cleaned and maintained properly.

Research Methods

This study uses a cross-sectional design by distributing the CLdeQ-8 questionnaire online to collect primary data. The research sample was taken using the Consecutive Sampling method, which included students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra who used contact lenses and met the research criteria. From a total of 47 regular contact lens users who participated, data was collected regarding demographic characteristics, intensity, and duration of contact lenses.

Research Results

From the results of the study, it was found that the majority of participants were women (97.9%) who had used contact lenses for more than 12 months. The average intensity of contact lens use among participants is ≥ 8 hours per day. Interestingly, the eye condition shows that 72.3% of users experienced dry eyes, while the other 27.7% did not experience these symptoms. These findings indicate a significant relationship between intensity and duration of contact lens use with dry eye events.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

These findings reflect the importance of awareness about the use of appropriate contact lenses. Although contact lenses provide many advantages, unwise use can contribute to eye health problems. This emphasizes the need for education for contact lens users about the importance of regulating the time of use and carrying out appropriate care to maintain eye health.

In addition, environmental factors such as dust exposure, the use of electronic devices, and dry room conditions can also worsen the symptoms of dry eyes. Contact lens users should ensure to rest periodically from the use of the lens, and use the recommended eye drops to maintain eye moisture.

Conclusion

From the results of the study, it can be concluded that the use of contact lenses that routinely are closely related to the events of dry eyes in students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra. Therefore, it is advisable to users to reduce the intensity of contact lenses and do routine maintenance so that eye health is maintained. With the right precautions, it is hoped that users can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses without sacrificing their eye health.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Education and Awareness: Contact lens users should be educated about the importance of regulating the time of use and carrying out appropriate care to maintain eye health.
  2. Regular Maintenance: Contact lens users should ensure to clean and maintain their lenses regularly to prevent eye health problems.
  3. Environmental Factors: Contact lens users should be aware of environmental factors that can worsen the symptoms of dry eyes, such as dust exposure, the use of electronic devices, and dry room conditions.
  4. Eye Drops: Contact lens users should use the recommended eye drops to maintain eye moisture and prevent dry eye symptoms.

By following these recommendations, contact lens users can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses without sacrificing their eye health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Contact Lenses on Dry Eyes

Q: What is dry eye syndrome?

A: Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eye cannot produce enough tears to maintain the humidity needed. This can cause discomfort, blurred vision, and in more severe cases, can cause damage to the surface of the eye.

Q: How common is dry eye syndrome among contact lens users?

A: Research has shown that about 50% of contact lens users experience dry eye symptoms. This is a significant concern, especially for students in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, who spend long hours studying and using electronic devices.

Q: What are the risk factors for dry eye syndrome among contact lens users?

A: The risk factors for dry eye syndrome among contact lens users include:

  • Intensity and duration of contact lens use
  • Environmental factors such as dust exposure, the use of electronic devices, and dry room conditions
  • Poor lens cleaning and maintenance
  • Pre-existing eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome or blepharitis

Q: How can I prevent dry eye syndrome while using contact lenses?

A: To prevent dry eye syndrome while using contact lenses, follow these tips:

  • Clean and maintain your lenses regularly
  • Use the recommended eye drops to maintain eye moisture
  • Avoid using electronic devices for extended periods
  • Take regular breaks to rest your eyes
  • Use a humidifier to maintain a comfortable humidity level in your environment

Q: What are the symptoms of dry eye syndrome?

A: The symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:

  • Dryness or grittiness in the eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Eye fatigue or strain
  • Redness or irritation of the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light

Q: How can I treat dry eye syndrome?

A: Treatment for dry eye syndrome may include:

  • Using artificial tears or eye drops to maintain eye moisture
  • Applying warm compresses to the eyes to loosen up any blockages
  • Using a humidifier to maintain a comfortable humidity level in your environment
  • Avoiding electronic devices for extended periods
  • Taking regular breaks to rest your eyes

Q: Can I still use contact lenses if I have dry eye syndrome?

A: Yes, you can still use contact lenses if you have dry eye syndrome. However, it is essential to take extra precautions to prevent dry eye symptoms, such as using the recommended eye drops and cleaning and maintaining your lenses regularly.

Q: How can I reduce the risk of dry eye syndrome among contact lens users?

A: To reduce the risk of dry eye syndrome among contact lens users, follow these tips:

  • Educate contact lens users about the importance of regulating the time of use and carrying out appropriate care to maintain eye health
  • Encourage contact lens users to clean and maintain their lenses regularly
  • Recommend the use of artificial tears or eye drops to maintain eye moisture
  • Encourage contact lens users to take regular breaks to rest their eyes

By following these tips and recommendations, contact lens users can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses without sacrificing their eye health.