Lack of sufficient production of tear film leads to symptoms of dry eyes. Sleep deprivation is known to cause various physiological changes in the body including hormonal and neuronal changes. These changes can lead to disturbance in development of a proper tear film and hence dry eyes. Current research objective was to study the association of sleep deprivation and occurrence of dry eyes in the sleep deprived individuals. Material and methods: Medical students from a tertiary care center were

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... ncluded in the study. Sleep deprivation was estimated using Sleep-quality questionnaire (The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington). Dry eyes questionnaire was taken and the severity assessed using Ocular Surface Disease Index Scale (OSDI). Schirmer's test, Tear Film Break-up Time (TBUT) and IOP measurement were carried out on the test subjects. The results were compared between sleep-deprived and non-sleep deprived individuals. Results: Out of total 50 test subjects, 25 were controls and 25 were sleep deprived. Significant association was found between sleep deprivation and severity of dry eye symptoms, tear film break up time and results of Schirmer's tests. However, no significant association was found between sleep deprivation and increase in IOP. Conclusion: Sleep deprivation induces reduction in tear secretion; increase in tear osmolarity and shortens tear film break-up time. These changes can later lead to development of ocular surface diseases. Hence, a larger study is needed to be carried out to further study the association and spread awareness regarding need of good quality sleep in order to reduce occurrence of dry eyes and other ocular disorders.