Dry Eye Disease among Young Pakistanis: Association with Digital Screen Use

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Digital Health

Background:

• Dry eye disease (DED), also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a prevalent condition affecting ocular health.
• Increased digital screen time is a growing concern, particularly among young populations, potentially exacerbating eye conditions like DED and eyestrain.
• Understanding the specific impact of digital device usage on the ocular health of young individuals in Pakistan is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between digital screen use and the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) in young Pakistani individuals.
• To evaluate the influence of various digital devices and usage patterns on ocular health outcomes, including symptoms of eyestrain and visual fatigue.
• To identify risk factors associated with digital screen-related DED in the study population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 232 participants aged 13-25 years in Pakistan.
• Data collection included digital eye symptoms, device usage patterns, and comprehensive ocular examinations, including tear film breakup time (TBUT) and Schirmer test.
• Statistical analysis, including the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation, was used to assess the relationship between digital screen use and DED.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of digital device-related ocular complaints (74.2%) was observed, with headache and eye fatigue being the most common symptoms.
• Dry eye disease (DED) showed significant associations with the type of digital device used, continuous usage patterns, and refractive errors, as indicated by TBUT.
• The Schirmer test revealed a significant association between DED and refractive errors, while a positive correlation was found between Schirmer test and TBUT values.

Conclusions:

• Digital screen-related DED is highly prevalent among Pakistani youth, affecting approximately two-thirds of the population.
• Awareness campaigns, reduction in screen time, and regular eye examinations are recommended to mitigate digital eye strain and prevent related eye diseases.
• The findings underscore the need for public health interventions to address the growing burden of DED associated with digital device usage in young people.