The effect of online education during the pandemic on ocular surface symptoms

Abstract

Background/Aim: During the pandemic, eye symptoms increased. This study aimed to investigate the effects of online education on ocular surface symptoms, which was a part of the distance learning model during the COVID-19 pandemic, to be able to prevent the formation of irreversible damage. Methods: This cohort study included 315 students who were undertaking online education and presented at the Ophthalmology Department of a university hospital. The sociodemographic data, Schirmer test results, tear break-up time (TBUT) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores of the students were noted. The data were analyzed using SPSS v. 22.0 software and a value of P