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Tear Film Dysfunction and its Association with Smartphone Usage in Adolescents
Summary
Excessive smartphone use in adolescents significantly impacts tear film stability and ocular health. Limiting screen time is crucial for preventing tear film dysfunction and discomfort.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Digital Health
Background:
- Adolescent smartphone usage is prevalent and increasing.
- Concerns exist regarding the ocular health effects of prolonged screen time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between daily smartphone usage duration and tear film parameters in adolescents.
- To assess the prevalence of tear film dysfunction in relation to smartphone use.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based cross-sectional study included 123 adolescents (10-19 years).
- Smartphone usage history was collected, and tear film parameters including Tear Meniscus Height (TMH), Tear Film Break Up Time (TBUT), and Schirmer's I test were assessed.
- Participants were categorized into four groups based on daily smartphone usage (<2, 2-4, 4-6, >6 hours).
Main Results:
- Adolescents using smartphones for over 6 hours/day showed a significantly higher prevalence of reduced TMH, Schirmer's I, and TBUT compared to lower usage groups (p < 0.0001).
- 72.7% of eyes in the >6 hours/day group exhibited tear film dysfunction, significantly more than other groups.
- A statistically significant association was found between prolonged smartphone use and tear film dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged smartphone use adversely affects tear film stability and ocular surface health in adolescents.
- Excessive screen time is linked to increased tear film dysfunction.
- Awareness and measures to limit screen time are essential for preventing ocular discomfort.
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