Correlation Between Dry Eye and Screen Time in Children

Background: Use of computers and other electronic devices has been shown to cause dry eye in adults1,2. Little research, however, has been done to determine if this is also occurring in children who use electronic devices. The main goal of this study was to determine if there is a correlation between screen time and dry eye symptoms in children. Additionally, our study sought to determine the average amount of screen time of the pediatric population in the area served by the University Eye Clinic at the Michigan College of Optometry. Methods: A survey was distributed to the parents of pediatric patients at the University Eye Clinic. The survey asked several questions about their children’s use of electronic devices and complaints of dry eye symptoms. The dry eye portion of this study was adapted from the Standardized Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) Questionnaire. Student clinicians also indicated on the survey form if and what signs of dry eye are observable in the patient. Results: Three of the 39 enrolled subjects reported symptomatic dryness based on our adapted SPEED Questionnaire. The average amount of screen time per week was 39.03 hours, and 31 subjects reported some type of device use at school. Conclusions: Children show ocular signs associated with dry eye but subjective measures are of limited use. The current amount of digital device use is likely higher than that recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for overall pediatric health and development.