None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Computer use has been shown to induce dry eye and damage the surface of the eye. Consequently, computer use may also affect the sensitivity of the eye surface and its effects may differ between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. The present project will evaluate the mechanical and thermal sensitivity of the eye surface before and after 1 hour computer use in asymptomatic healthy individuals and individuals with symptoms of digital eye strain and dry eye, using for the purpose a recently developed instrument called the Liquid Jet aesthesiometer (LJA). The LJA uses small drops of sterile saline to stimulate the eye's surface. Participants will be given a buzzer to press to indicate when a sensation is felt. This study will help to better understand the underlying mechanism behind the effects of digital display use on the eye surface.
Interventions
The ocular surface (cornea and conjunctiva) sensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimuli will be measured before and after 1 hour of computer work, using for the purpose a recently developed aesthesiometer (the Liquid Jet Aesthesiometer (LJA) - only available for use in a a clinical trial setting), in a group of normal asymptomatic computer users and a group of computer users with symptoms of dry eye and digital eye strain. Participants will work on the computer in a free-choice task, until the
The ocular surface (cornea and conjunctiva) sensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimuli will be measured before and after 1 hour of computer work, using for the purpose a recently developed aesthesiometer (the Liquid Jet Aesthesiometer (LJA) - only available for use in a a clinical trial setting), in a group of normal asymptomatic computer users and a group of computer users with symptoms of dry eye and digital eye strain. Participants will work on the computer in a free-choice task, until the examiner tells them to stop. The LJA propels microvolume droplets of saline solution onto the eye's surface. The participant will be seated in front of the LJA with adjustable headrest and chinrest in place and will be given a push button and asked to press it when any sensation is felt on the eye. The LJA will be used 4 times in single visit, before and after computer use. Each measurement is anticipated to last approximately 5 minutes and the duration of the visit in total will be approximately 2 hours, including 1 hour of computer use. All observations will be conducted in the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) by experienced optometrists.
Sponsors
University of New South Wales - UNSW
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Single group
Primary purpose
Diagnosis
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
• Aged between 18 to 40 years • Frequent computer use (minimum of 4 hours of computer use per day) • Able to read and comprehend English
Exclusion criteria
• Have any eye or general health conditions which may affect the eyes. • Current use of use eye and/or general medication which is known to affect eye health or eye comfort • Have any history of eye surgery • Use of soft contact lenses in the past 7 days or history of orthokeratology or rigid gas permeable contact lens wear. • Are pregnant or breastfeeding • Have a history of binocular disorders including amblyopia, strabismus or anisometropia.
Outcome results
None listed