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Effect of Blinking Exercises on Eye Dryness and Quality of Life for ElderlyPeople

Research Authors
Amal Hashem Mohamed, Soher Ahmed Awad, Rokia Fathi Mohamed, Fayza Mohamed Mohamed
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Assiut Scientific Nursing Journal
Research Publisher
Assiut University, Faculty of Nursing
Research Abstract

Background: Eye dryness is a common health problem among older adults which negatively impacts their quality of life. Aim: To assess the effect of blinking exercises on eye dryness and quality of life for elderly people. Design: A quasi-experimental research design (Pre/post-test) was utilized. Sample: A purposive sample of one hundred elderly patients who complained from dry eye was selected. Setting: The study was conducted in ophthalmology outpatient clinics at Minia University Hospital, Egypt. Methods: Three validated tools were used 1) A structured interview questionnaire sheet involving personal and medical profiles. 2) Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, and 3) Impact Dry Eye Everyday Life Questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the studied sample was 68.62±8.62, and 59.0% were female. It was found that the severity of eye dryness declined after the implementation of eye blinking exercises to 5% versus 15% before the intervention at a mild level and declined to 15% at a moderate level compared with 40% before with a high statistical significance difference P value < 0.00001*. Additionally, the effect of eye dryness on quality of life diminished with a statistically significant difference between pretest & after 4 weeks of the intervention reflected by P-value=0. 0352. Conclusion: Applying eye blinking exercises effectively reduced eye dryness and improved the quality of life among older adults. Recommendation: Health education and training should be provided regularly in eye blinking exercises in different healthcare settings for elders with the availability of related posters, brochures, and handouts given to them.