SCREEN TIME AND ITS EFFECT ON OCULAR DRYNESS
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Keywords
Screen exposure, Dry eye, Screen time duration, Ocular discomfort
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to look into the relationship between dry eye symptoms and screen use.
Study design: Cross-sectional study
Place and Duration This study was conducted in Primary Health Care Doha/Qatar from September 2022 to September 2023.
Methodology: There were a total of 110 participants and age between 12 to 70 years, who had normal anterior and posterior eye segments, symptoms of dry eyes, and frequent usage of screens such as laptops and mobile phones. To verify dry eye, the tear film break-up time was evaluated using a fluorescein strip. The three categories for daily screen time were marked (> 6 hours), moderate (2-4 hours), and mild (< 2 hours). The data was analysed using SPSS version 26 at a significance threshold of P < 0.05.
Results: The participants mean age was 43.65 ± 15.96 years, with 73 (66.36%) females and 37 (33.64%) males. The most common symptom reported was itching in 38 (34.54%) patients. Tear film break-up time test confirmed dry eye in 64 (58.18%) participants. Among those with mild screen time (n = 32), 18 (56.25%) had dry eye; among those with moderate screen time (n = 40), 30 (75%) had dry eye; and among those with severe screen time (n = 38), 18 (47.36%) had dry eye. However, statistical analysis revealed a non-significant association between screen time and dry eye symptoms (P = 0.156).
Conclusion: This study found no significant relationship between increased screen time and the presence of dry eye symptoms. Nonetheless, it emphasizes the importance of taking precautions to alleviate discomfort associated with prolonged screen exposure.
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Mutaz Kawas
Ophthalmology Consultant, Primary Health Care, Doha - Qatar.
Alia Aleidi Alruwaili
Senior Consultant Family Medicine, Primary Health Care, Doha - Qatar.