Influence of Reading on Smartphone Screens on Visual Optical Quality Metrics and Tear Film Stability

Abstract

To evaluate the impact of a prolonged reading session on a smartphone screen on optical quality metrics and tear film stability.Methods: This prospective study was conducted in 41 healthy volunteers who were asked to read an article on a smartphone screen for 20 minutes. The following tests were performed before the reading task in this consecutive order and repeated after the reading task in the same order: automated noninvasive tear break-up time, optical quality assessment including Objective Scatter Index (OSI), modulation transfer function, Strehl ratio, and tear film dynamic analysis as follows: vision break-up time (VBUT) as a function of OSI changes within 20 seconds, using a double-pass aberrometer imaging system, and fluorescein tear break-up time (FBUT) measured using the slit lamp.Results: All break-up time-related parameters (noninvasive tear break-up time, FBUT and VBUT) were significantly reduced after the reading task (P , 0.01). The OSI was significantly worsened after the reading task (P = 0.01), whereas all the other optical quality metrics (modulation transfer function and Strehl ratio) slightly deteriorated, were not statistically significant. A significant correlation was found between the shortening of the FBUT, VBUT, and the worsening of the OSI (r = 20.33, P , 0.05). Conclusions:A reading session on a smartphone screen in healthy subjects was found to significantly affect the tear film stability and objectively worsen the retinal image quality.

A comprehensive review of the effects of tacrolimus (FK-506) on dry eye disease (DED): Focus on inflammation and biochemical processes

“…It measures the time it takes for the fluorescent dye (fluorescein) to break up or disappear from the tear film after a complete blink [141]. FTBUT is measured in seconds and provides valuable information about the quality and quantity of tears [142]. A shorter FTBUT indicates a compromised tear film and can be indicative of DED or other ocular surface conditions [143].…”

Does Orthokeratology Wearing Affect the Tear Quality of Children?

“…Current research has shown that the usage of electronic products is an important factor in the development of dry eye ( 59 – 61 ). A study on healthy people performed by Bettach et al showed that the break up time related parameters were significantly reduced after the reading task by smartphone screen ( 62 ). The study by Zhu et al showed that screen time was one of the risk factors for dry eye disease, and different electronic screen time had a significant impact on the change of tear quality ( 63 ).…”

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“…Current research has shown that the usage of electronic products is an important factor in the development of dry eye (59)(60)(61). A study on healthy people performed by Bettach et al showed that the break up time related parameters were significantly reduced after the reading task by smartphone screen (62). The study by Zhu et al showed that screen time was one of the risk factors for dry eye disease, and different electronic screen time had a significant impact on the change of tear quality (63).…”