Effects of artificial tears on ocular surface symptoms and visual task performance in digital device users

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Digital Health

Background:

• Digital eye strain is a prevalent issue among visual display terminal (VDT) users.
• Dryness symptoms and visual discomfort are common complaints.
• Artificial tears are frequently used to alleviate these symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of preservative-free artificial tears in managing ocular symptoms and improving visual performance in VDT users.
• To assess the impact of preservative-free artificial tears on tear film stability.
• To investigate changes in subjective and objective measures related to digital eye strain.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, single-arm study involving 30 VDT users with digital eye strain and dryness.
• Participants used preservative-free artificial tears four times daily for one month.
• Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Computer-Vision Symptom Scale (CVSS17), blink rate, eye fixations, reading speed, noninvasive tear film break-up time (NIBUT), and tear meniscus height (TMH) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in subjective symptoms were reported, with CVSS17 scores decreasing from 35.70 to 27.27 (P<0.01) and OSDI scores from 19.99 to 10.52 (P<0.01).
• Out-loud reading speed showed a slight, though statistically significant, improvement after computer use at the final visit (0.99 to 1.02; P<0.01).
• No significant changes were observed in blink rate, eye fixations, NIBUT, or TMH.

Conclusions:

• Preservative-free artificial tears are effective in reducing subjective ocular discomfort and digital eye strain symptoms in VDT users.
• The symptomatic relief provided by preservative-free artificial tears did not lead to measurable improvements in objective visual task performance or tear film parameters.
• Further research may be needed to explore interventions that can improve both subjective symptoms and objective measures in VDT users.