Computer Vision Syndrome, Dry Eye Syndromes
Conditions
Keywords
dry eye disease, computer work, computer vision syndrome
Brief summary
The program BlinkBlink was developed to alleviate dry eye symptoms during prolonged computer work. This study aimed to show subjective and objective improvement of dry eye problems in a sample size of office workers
Detailed description
The increased use of digital devices and the resulting increase in near work has increased the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED). Studies show that blink frequency reduced considerably during computer work, hence the tear film is spread less regularly over the anterior surface of the eye giving rise to an unstable tear film. This may lead to tired, dry eyes. The aim of this study was to observe if the tear film quality and dry eye symptoms may improve with the use of the computer animation program BlinkBlink during prolonged computer work. Participating subjects test two versions of the program, whereby one version applies the animation in a much lower frequency, hence serving as a near placebo version. The testing order of the versions is randomized. The variables tested in this study are non-invasive tear film break up (NIBUT) and subjective dry eye symptoms with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire.
Interventions
DEVICEAnimation program BlinkBlink
Computer program that presents horizontal bars on the computer screen that move from above and below towards each other, mimicking a blink movement.
Sponsors
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Investigator)
Masking description
The investigator does not know the order of versions tested by participants.
Intervention model description
Subjects use two versions of the program for a set duration, separated by a washout phase. The order of versions applied is randomised.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* duration of computer work of at least six hours per day during at least four days per week * OSDI score ≥ 18 * no active pathology on the anterior eye * Snellen visual acuity of ≥ 0.8.
Exclusion criteria
* acute systemic disease * contact lens wear * asthenopia
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Subjective improvement of dry eyes | 14 days | subjective improvement with OSDI questionnaire |
| objective improvement of dry eyes | 14 days | objective improvement of tear film quality (NIBUT) |
Countries
Switzerland
Outcome results
None listed