Excessive screen time exposure leads to dry eyes and inflammatory conjunctivitis in children

The rise in usage of smartphones and digital devices among pediatric population has raised concerns about their eye's health. It is of particular interest in relation to dry eye disease (DED) and inflammatory conjunctivitis. Prolonged screen exposure is linked to reduced blink rates, tear evaporation, and tear break-up time (TBUT), that can lead to ocular discomfort and tear instability.

To find association between excessive screen time, dry eye disease, and inflammatory conjunctivitis in children aged 3 to 11 years.

A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital Islamabad. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was adopted. Detailed ophthalmic examinations, including TBUT and blink rate assessments, were performed. The relationship between excessive screen time, TBUT, blink rate, and inflammatory conjunctivitis was assessed using multivariate analysis. A 95% confidence interval was kept significant.

A total of 479 participants aged 6.7 ± 1.9 were included. The mean screen time was 4.52 ± 1.49 hour/day, while mean TBUT was 10.29 ± 3.17. A significant negative relationship was found between screen time and TBUT (B =  - 0.351, p < 0.001). The TBUT and inflammatory conjunctivitis showed a significant relationship (χ² = 134.1(3); p value < 0.001). A significant relationship was also found among dry eyes and children having a dedicated gadget (χ² = 27.6(3); p value < 0.001). Blink rate was directly associated with TBUT (p < 0.001). Approximately 48.64% of participants exhibited abnormal Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT).

Excessive screen time is significantly associated with reduced TBUT and a lower blink rate in children, contributing to dry eye disease and inflammatory conjunctivitis.