Predictive analysis of dry eye diagnosis and digital screen usage: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Digital Health

Background:

• Digital screen usage is pervasive across all age groups globally.
• Extended screen time is increasingly linked to various health concerns, including ocular surface issues.
• Understanding the impact on specific populations, like the Nepalese, is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the ocular surface characteristics in the Nepalese population.
• To assess the association between prolonged digital screen use and dry eye disease (DED).
• To determine the prevalence of DED among long-term digital screen users in Nepal.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, observational study involving 144 digital screen users.
• Assessment of dry eye disease (DED) using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire for symptoms.
• Objective clinical assessments included slit lamp biomicroscopy, tear breakup time (TBUT), Oxford Scheme grading, and Schirmer I test.

Main Results:

• The study included 144 participants with a mean age of 34.6 years; 54.2% were female.
• A significant association was found between increased screen time, shortened TBUT, and increased OSDI scores (P<0.01).
• The overall prevalence of DED was 67.4%, with higher rates observed in individuals using screens for over 2 hours daily.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged digital screen use is significantly associated with clinical markers of dry eye signs and symptoms.
• The findings underscore the public health impact of digital device usage on ocular surface health.
• Further research may explore preventative strategies for digital eye strain and DED.