Insights into visual health: exploring eye care practices and awareness in the dental continuum

Objectives. This study aimed to assess the importance of eyesight among dentists and dental students, their awareness of their own vision status and their eye care practices in the context of their professional work. Methods. A digital questionnaire was used to explore patient demographics, vision status, correction methods, time since the last eye examination and the use of magnification loupes. Results. Of the participants, 52.9% were dental students with more than 3 years of clinical experience, and 48.1% were practising as dentists. Among those tested, 35.7% were short-sighted, 19.5% were long-sighted, 8.2% had astigmatism and 1.8% had colour blindness. Notably, 7.2% of participants aged under 40 years of age and 27.9% aged over 40 years of age were unaware of their refractive errors. Younger participants were more short-sighted, whereas long-sightedness increased with age (p < 0.001). Loupes were more commonly used by dentists (24.1%), and 42.1% of loupe users maintained an upright posture. Conclusion. A substantial number of dentists lacked awareness of the significance of eye care and its impact on their professional work. The study also revealed a significant relationship between age and refractive error type.