Investigation of the effect of room heaters on ocular surface comfort in individuals working in office environments.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different heating systems used during the winter season (air conditioning and central heating) on ocular surface symptoms in individuals working in indoor environments, and to assess these effects independently of seasonal variation. Ocular surface symptoms were evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI®). Materials and Methods: This prospective, observational, and comparative study included a total of 84 participants working in indoor environments during the winter season. Participants were divided into two groups according to the heating system used in their workplace: the air conditioning group (n = 42) and the central heating group (n = 42). The OSDI® questionnaire was administered to all participants at two different time points: January 2025 (winter season) and May 2025 (spring season). OSDI® scores were compared within and between groups. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 15.0, and a p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In the air conditioning group, mean OSDI® scores during the winter season were significantly higher than those measured during the spring season (p < 0.001). In contrast, no significant difference was observed between winter and spring OSDI® scores in the central heating group (p = 0.545). Intergroup comparison revealed that winter OSDI® scores were significantly higher in the air conditioning group compared to the central heating group (p = 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups during the spring season (p = 0.304). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that heating systems used in indoor working environments have different effects on ocular surface symptoms. Air conditioning systems were associated with a significant increase in ocular surface symptoms during the winter season, whereas central heating systems did not demonstrate a similar effect. These findings highlight the importance of considering ocular surface health in the planning and management of indoor climate conditions and emphasize the need for appropriate humidity control and airflow management in air-conditioned environments. Keywords: Ocular surface, dry eye, OSDI®, air conditioning, central heating, environmental factors