Examining link between digital device use and dry eye disease in children

New research published in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology has examined the connection between digital device use in children and dry eye disease.

The study involved 462 children in Ahmedabad, India, between the ages of nine and 14. Study participants underwent an ocular examination, including tear film breakup time (TBUT) and Schirmer’s test.

They completed a questionnaire on the type and duration of digital device use, as well as an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire.

The researchers found that 90.5% of survey participants had symptoms of dry eye disease. Around one in five participants (19%) had moderate to severe dry eye disease.

They advised on the basis of the findings that policymakers should recommend children spend no more than three hours each day on screens.

“Greater cumulative exposure time of more than 3–3.5 hours per day leads to a significantly increased risk of ocular surface disruption,” the researchers highlighted.

The authors observed that reading time with physical books was associated with lower OSDI scores and better ocular surface health.

The researchers found a higher OSDI score among girls than boys, and among older age groups than younger age groups.

Increased time spent on mobile phones for non-academic activities was associated with more dry eye symptoms.