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

To evaluate the influence of digital screen use on dry eye disease (DED) and ocular health in the young Pakistani population.

A cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Ophthalmology, Federal General Hospital and Shifa Foundation Community Health Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan, from July 2022 to June 2023.

A total of 232 participants aged 13-25 years presenting for refraction were enrolled. Data on digital eye symptoms, type of digital devices used, and duration and pattern of screen exposure were collected. All participants underwent a detailed ocular examination, including tear film breakup time (TBUT) and Schirmer test. The association between digital screen use and DED was evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test.

The median age of the study population was 20 (6.75) years, with 49.1% male population. Digital device-related ocular complaints were reported by 74.2% of participants. Headache was the most common symptom (21.6%), followed by eye fatigue (20.3%). A significant positive correlation was observed between the Schirmer test and TBUT values (Spearman's ρ = 0.337, p <0.001).  Based on TBUT, DED showed significant associations with the type of digital device used, continuous usage pattern, and refractive errors.  According to the Schirmer test, a significant association was observed only between DED and refractive errors.

Digital screen-related DED is highly prevalent among Pakistani youth, with two-thirds experiencing symptoms. Raising awareness, reducing screen time, and promoting eye examination can help prevent digital eye strain and reduce the burden of related eye diseases.

Dry eye syndrome, Dry eye disease, Dry eyes, Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, Eyestrain, Visual fatigue, Screen time.