Association Between Screen Time and Tear Film Stability

Abstract

Tear film is a layer that nourishes, lubricates and protects the anterior surface of eye. The usage of electronic gadgets can affect the tear film stability causing ocular dryness. Recently, due to the increased frequency of online educational and leisure activities, there has been reported increase in the prevalence of dry eye among users of electronic gadgets. Objective: To evaluate association between screen time and stability of tear film. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to august 2021 at The University of Lahore. 120 participants aged above 18 years were recruited using nonprobability sampling technique. After taking consent from the participant’s questionnaire was completed, followed by slit lamp examination for evaluation tear film breakup time (TBUT). Results: 120 healthy people of either gender who were at least 18 years old participated in this study, selected through random sampling, informed consent was acquired from all participants. The TBUT test was performed on all subjects, 74 had severe dry eyes, 21 had moderate dry eyes, and just 24 had normal eyes. Each subject's screen time was tracked after the subjects were divided into four groups. The Chi square was used to assess the relationship between screen time and tear film break up time. Results had a p value less than 0.01 and were statistically significant. Conclusions: This study concluded that as the screen time increases it effects the stability of tear film.