Assessment of the Impact of Varying Durations of Computer Usage on Dry Eye Parameters in Employees of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Introduction: Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is a common disorder of the tear film having multifactorial aetiology. Now-a-days, a large portion of population is affected with Dry Eye Disease (DED) because of substantial increase in usage of computers and digital devices. Aim: To evaluate the effect of varying durations of computer usage on parameters of DED. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, total 120 participants were divided into two groups. Group I (n=58) included participants who used computer daily for less than six hours while group II (n=62) included those who used computer for more than six hours daily. Routine eye examination was done and dry eye parameters i.e., Ocular Surface Diseases Index (OSDI), Schirmer Test (ST) and Tear Film Break Up Time (TFBUT) were performed and analysed for any significant difference between groups I and II using unpaired t-test. SPSS 16.0 was used and p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Pearson’s correlation test was performed to analyse correlation of OSDI score with TFBUT and ST values. Results: Mean OSDI scores in group I and group II were 37.39±8.98 and 49.54±11.7 (p<0.001), respectively; while TFBUT values were 10.19±2.27 seconds and 8.12±2.9 seconds (p<0.001), respectively. ST values were 12.82±3.32 mm in group I and 10.80±3.86 mm in group II (p=0.0027). Significant inverse correlation between OSDI score and TFBUT values was found in both group I (r=-0.557, p<0.001) and group II (r=-0.439, p<0.001). Similarly, correlation of OSDI score with ST values in group I (r=-0.787, p<0.001) and group II (r=-0.320, p=0.011) was also inversely significant. On the basis of OSDI score, 38 (65.5%) participants in group I and 54 (87.08%) participants in group II had severe dry eye. According to TFBUT values 12 (20.68%) participants in group I and 29 (46.77%) participants in group II and as per ST values 17 (29.31%) participants in group I and 30 (48.38%) participants in group II had severe dry eye. Conclusion: Usage of computer or digital displays more than six hours per day is a potential cause for the development of severe DED.