International journal of scientific research | 2021
“ASSESSMENT OF VISUAL DISPLAY TERMINAL USE AS A RISK FACTOR FOR\nPAEDIATRIC DRY EYE DISEASE” : A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY
Abstract
Purpose: To assess Visual Display Terminal(VDT) exposure as a risk factor for paediatric Dry Eye Disease(DED). Methodology: In this cross\nsectional study, children(5-15 years) from both urban and rural regions with VDT(computer,smartphone,television) exposure(1-2,3-4,>=5hours)\nwere enrolled. Dry eye evaluation was done using Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) Questionnaire, Schirmer s without anesthesia,\nFluorescein-Tear \uf001lm Break-up Time(F-TBUT) and corneal , conjunctival \uf002uorescein staining as per Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society(TFOS)\nDry Eye Workshop II Guidelines 2017(DEWS II). DED diagnosis was based on OSDI grading(>=13) and objective tests(>=1 positive test).\nResults: 315 children exposed to VDTwere selected for the study. Burning sensation and redness were the most common symptoms. Prevalence of\nDED was observed to be 6.03%(19 children-38 eyes). Mean age and hours of VDT exposure was signi\uf001cantly higher and hours of outdoor activity\nand sleep signi\uf001cantly lower in DED children compared to NON DED children(p<.05). Urban elder children had highest DED prevalence rate of\n13.19% .Prevalence of DED in children using VDTfor 1-2 hours was .74%,3-4 hours was 28.57%, and >=5 hours was 47.83% (p=<.001). Children\nwith short hours of outdoor activity(<3hours) had DED prevalence of 24.62 % whereas children with longer outdoor activity(>=3 hours) showed\n1.20% prevalence(p<.001). Children with less hours of sleep(<8hours) showed DED prevalence of 22.58% and those with longer hours(>=8\nhours) of sleep had only 1.98% DED prevalence (p<.001). Conclusion: DED was found to be associated with elder age, longer hours of VDT\nexposure , short hours of outdoor activity and sleep in VDTexposed children.