Purpose: The objective of the study was to assess the effect of increased screen time on ocular health during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis. Materials and Method: An online pretested, self-reported questionnaire with relevant details was generated through Google form and sent to participants. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to investigate the associations between the qualitative variables. The associated risk factors of number and frequency of ocular health problems were analysed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Result: A total of 435 responses were considered where 48.5% (N = 211) were female participants and 51.5% (N = 224) were male. Average age of the participants was 35 years. 89% of the participants reported an increase in the screen time during the during the lockdown period. Younger age group reported to have greater screen time than the older participants (p = 0.001) and hence experienced more symptoms of digital eye strain (DES) (p = 0.003). The most common symptoms associated with digital eye strain in our study were eyestrain 52.8% (N = 230) and headache 31.3% (N = 136). In total, 81.37% (354/435) of participants had experienced at least one symptom related to digital screen usage. Conclusion: DES is non-vision-threatening but discomfort caused due to it can have implications on overall physical, mental, and social well-being. The study highlights the increase in digital screen time during the pandemic and the resultant eye strain. There is need of spreading awareness regarding the adverse effects of digital device use and the preventive measures to safeguard our ocular health.
Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the magnitude and severity of dry eye disease (DED) in medical students as per assessed by the questionnaire Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and Schirmer's test. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of a 2-month duration involving medical students was conducted to determine the magnitude and severity of DED. Dry eye was assessed through self-administered questionnaire, Schirmer's test, and OSDI scoring. Results: The most common symptom among the participants was eyestrain in 39% (N = 31) followed by headache in 33% (N = 26). Based on Schirmer's test, 75% (n = 60) of the participants were normal, 8% (n = 6) students had mild DED, 5% (N = 4) students with moderate DED, and 11% (N = 9) students had severe DED. Based on OSDI scoring, 59% (n = 47) participants were normal, 28% (n = 21) had mild DED, 11% (N = 9) had moderate, while 2% (N = 2) had severe DED. Conclusion: In this era of digitalization, DED has engulfed the younger population who are spending greater hours on different digital devices. The prevalence of symptomatic dry eyes in our study was 41% while it was 25% based on signs. This should raise concern among the caregivers to increase awareness regarding dry eyes and give strict guidelines restricting screen time. The use of ergonomic practices such as appropriate lighting in a room, adjusting digital screen parameters (resolution, text size, contrast, and luminance), and taking frequent breaks while using the screen should be encouraged.
We report a case of lipoid proteinosis (LP) masquerading as seborrheic dermatitis. A 35-year-old female presented to our outpatient department with complaints of itching and crust-like formation on eyelids for five years. She was treated as a case of seborrheic dermatitis elsewhere and got intermittent relief in itching with medications. Beaded lesions were found along the upper and lower eyelids involving the lash line and caruncle on removing the crust. The verrucous lesions were pathognomonic, moniliform blepharosis of LP. Systemic examination revealed hoarseness of voice, and hyperkeratosis was seen on the dorsum of both of her hands. She has been advised lid hygiene, artificial tears, and antihistaminics for itching. Skin emollients were also advised by dermatologists to decrease the chances of abrasion and bleeding from minor trauma. She was well explained about the danger signs as well as neurological and psychiatric implications of the disease. Although ophthalmologists have a rare encounter with this disease, LP is a well-known entity to dermatologists and otorhinolaryngologists, and thus it may sometimes go undiagnosed. An ophthalmologist should be well aware of the life-threatening complications associated with LP, and patients should be sensitized regarding the chronic nature, supportive measures, and danger signs of the disease.
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