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Visual Quality, Motility Behavior, and Retinal Changes Associated with Reading Tasks Performed on Electronic Devices
Elvira Orduna-Hospital1, María Munarriz-Escribano1, Ana Sanchez-Cano1
1Department of Applied Physics, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 26, 2023
Summary
Eye tracking and aberrometry can objectively assess visual discomfort from reading on electronic devices like iPads and Ebooks. Retinal thickness remained stable, showing no significant changes between devices.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Visual Science
Background:
- Digital reading devices like iPads and Ebooks are prevalent.
- Assessing visual discomfort and retinal changes from device use is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively evaluate visual discomfort using eye tracking and aberrometry after reading on an iPad versus an Ebook.
- To analyze retinal changes using optical coherence tomography (OCT) after device use.
Main Methods:
- 31 young adults read for 21 minutes on an Ebook and an iPad under controlled lighting.
- Eye movements, pupil diameter, and aberrometric parameters were monitored.
- Retinal thickness was measured using OCT before and after reading sessions.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in eye movements or retinal thickness changes were found between the iPad and Ebook.
- Aberrometric analysis revealed device-dependent variations in post-reading visual function.
Conclusions:
- Eye trackers and aberrometers can objectively assess reading speed and visual discomfort from electronic devices.
- Retinal thickness remained stable, indicating no significant adverse effects from either device.
