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Effects on the Ocular Surface from Reading on Different Smartphone Screens: A Prospective Randomized Controlled
Kelan Yuan1, Haiping Zhu1, Yujie Mou1
1Eye Center, Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
Clinical and Translational Science
|November 17, 2020
Summary
Reading on organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screens significantly impacts ocular surface health, causing discomfort. Electronic ink (eINK) screens offer a gentler alternative, minimizing eye strain and surface disruption in various lighting conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Digital Health
Background:
- Digital screen usage is pervasive, raising concerns about potential ocular surface effects.
- Different screen technologies and ambient lighting conditions may differentially impact eye health during prolonged reading tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of smartphone reading on the ocular surface.
- To compare the effects of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and electronic ink (eINK) screens under light and dark conditions.
Main Methods:
- 119 volunteers were assigned to four groups: light+OLED, light+eINK, dark+OLED, dark+eINK.
- Ocular surface parameters (NIBUT, NIKTMH, redness, FBUT, staining, meibomian glands, Schirmer I Test, blink rate) and symptom scores (OSDI, CVS-Q) were assessed before and after a 2-hour reading task.
Main Results:
- OLED screen use led to statistically significant decreases in noninvasive break-up time (NIBUT) and fluorescein break-up time (FBUT), and NIKTMH, compared to baseline.
- OLED use also resulted in increased ocular redness, OSDI, and CVS-Q scores, with a higher blink rate observed.
- eINK screens showed a lesser impact on NIBUT, FBUT, NIKTMH, redness, and symptom scores, with no significant changes in blink rate.
Conclusions:
- Reading on OLED screens can induce ocular surface disorder and subjective discomfort.
- eINK screens appear to minimize ocular surface disruption and discomfort in both light and dark environments, suggesting a safer alternative for digital reading.
