Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026
Intense Pulsed Light for the Treatment of Dry Eye Owing to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Published on: April 1, 2019
Comparative Evaluation of Tear Film Stability and Meibomian Gland Function in Digital Device Users Versus Nonusers
Preetha Balaji1, P K Bhavya1, K Sruthy1
1Department of Optometry, Ahalia School of Optometry and Research Centre, Palakkad, Kerala, India.
Background:
Prolonged digital device use is increasingly linked to ocular surface disorders, yet objective comparisons of tear film stability and meibomian gland function between users and nonusers remain limited.
Materials And Methods:
A cross-sectional study enrolled 120 participants (60 digital device users: ≥4 hours/day; 60 nonusers: <1 hour/day). Tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer's test, meibomian gland expression (MGE) scoring, and meibography were performed. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and Chi-square tests (significance: P <0.05).
Results:
Digital device users exhibited significantly lower TBUT (5.2 ± 1.8 vs. 8.5 ± 2.1 seconds, P < 0.001), reduced Schirmer's test results (10.3 ± 4.2 vs. 15.7 ± 5.1 mm, P < 0.001), higher MGE scores (5.8 ± 2.4 vs. 2.1 ± 1.5, P < 0.001), and greater meibomian gland dropout (2.1 ± 0.8 vs. 0.9 ± 0.6, P < 0.001). Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) prevalence was 68.3% in users versus 25.0% in nonusers (P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Digital device use is associated with impaired tear film stability and meibomian gland function, indicating a higher risk of evaporative dry eye.
