Frequency of Dry Eye Diseases among Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To assess the frequency of dry eye among children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Pakistan Naval Ship Hafeez Hospital, Islamabad Pakistan, from Mar to Aug 2021.
 Methodology: Children aged 7-15 years reporting to the PNS Hafeez Hospital, OPD were included in the study. A proforma was used to record the demographics and screen time of the children. In addition, an ophthalmic examination was conducted to assess the dry eye status of the children using the Schirmer-II test.
 Results: Seventy-three children participated in the study. Their mean age was 11.08±2.42 years. There were 40(54.8%) boys and 33 (45.2%) girls. These children had a mean daily screen time of 7.23±2.77hours. Children with dry eye had a greater amount of screen time (8.75±2.11hours) as compared to those with normal tear function (6.05±2.66 hours; p<0.001). In addition,the screen time of children with dry eyes was significantly greater than those with normal tear functions (p=0.001).
 Conclusion: Children with dry eyes were reported to have more screen time and more online classes than their counterparts with normal tear functions. Authorities should consider resuming face-to-face sessions for all school children.

Development of dentists perceptions and knowledge of teledentistry

“…Based on the research method, twentyone articles were cross-sectional study design, 13,16,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43] one article was cross-sectional with a mixed method design, 40…”

“…Based on the research method, twenty-one articles were cross-sectional study design, 13,16,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43] one article was cross-sectional with a mixed method design, 40 and one article was a systematic review. 44 Based on the location of the study, five articles were conducted in India, 24,27,30,32,38 three articles in Pakistan, 16,31,34 three articles in Saudi Arabia, 28,29,36 two articles in Indonesia, 37,43 two articles in the United States, 25,40 and a few other articles in Australia, 26 Malaysia, 41,44 France, 39 Colombia, 13 and Brazil. 33 One article was conducted in two countries (Saudi Arabia and Pakistan) 42 and one article was a global study.…”

“…9 Similarly, Subhan et al in 2021 found that only 37.5% of dentists knew about teledentistry before the COVID-19 pandemic, but since the pandemic was a systematic review. 44 Based on the location of the study, five articles were conducted in India, 24,27,30,32,38 three articles in Pakistan, 16,31,34 three articles in Saudi Arabia, 28,29,36 two articles in Indonesia, 37,43 two articles in the United States, 25,40 and a few other articles in Australia, 26 Malaysia, 41,44 France, 39 Colombia, 13 and Brazil. 33 One article was conducted in two countries (Saudi Arabia and Pakistan) 42 and one article was a global study.…”

“…Studies by Fatima et al, Latif et al, and Nassani et al revealed that the majority of dentists never received training/ education on teledentistry (87.4%, 69.7%, 79.4%). 16,31,36 Giraudeau et al stated that only 1.5% (n = 76) of dentists had attended telemedicine and/or teledentistry training during their studies. Among the dentists who had received such training, 75.2% (n = 57) said that the training was inadequate.…”

“…40 Training and continuing education for dentists can be one way to increase awareness and knowledge of teledentistry and help prepare dentists to use it in clinical practice. 31 Providing training for dentists can have a positive change in attitudes after training and a positive impact on knowledge and competence about teledentistry. 59 The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted teledentistry, and teledentistry will continue to grow even after the pandemic.…”