Issue material
Supplemental Issue A: OSDI Screening Form (De-identified)
Blank OSDI and SPEED symptom forms with scoring instructions for use in optometric triage.
Journal publication
Dry Eye Disease and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Digital Screen Users: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Background: Prolonged digital screen exposure is associated with reduced blink rate and increased complaints of ocular discomfort. Meibomian gland dysfunction is a frequent underdiagnosed contributor to dry eye disease in working-age adults.
Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of symptomatic dry eye and clinically significant MGD among screen-intensive users and to identify associated behavioural and environmental factors.
Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled adults aged 18–55 who reported at least six hours of daily screen time for work or study. Participants completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaires. Clinical testing included non-invasive tear break-up time, fluorescein staining, and infrared meibography of the lower eyelid. Meibomian gland dropout was graded with a published 0–3 scale. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, contact lens wear, and systemic medications associated with dryness.
Results: Among 312 participants, 41% reported OSDI scores consistent with at least mild dry eye, and 28% met criteria for moderate or severe disease. Reduced TBUT and meibography grades indicating MGD were common in the high screen-time subgroup. Contact lens wear and low ambient humidity at the workstation were independent risk factors in adjusted models. Most participants with elevated OSDI scores had at least mild gland dropout on meibography, supporting an MGD-driven component.
Conclusions: Digital workload correlates with measurable tear instability and meibomian gland changes in this cohort. Optometrists should combine symptom scores with gland imaging when planning lid-based therapies such as warm compresses, thermal pulsation, or topical anti-inflammatory agents. Limitations include convenience sampling and lack of longitudinal follow-up.
Clinical relevance: Structured screening with OSDI plus meibography can prioritise education on blinking, breaks, and environmental humidification before advanced interventions, aligning with contemporary dry eye management guidelines.
Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of symptomatic dry eye and clinically significant MGD among screen-intensive users and to identify associated behavioural and environmental factors.
Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled adults aged 18–55 who reported at least six hours of daily screen time for work or study. Participants completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaires. Clinical testing included non-invasive tear break-up time, fluorescein staining, and infrared meibography of the lower eyelid. Meibomian gland dropout was graded with a published 0–3 scale. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, contact lens wear, and systemic medications associated with dryness.
Results: Among 312 participants, 41% reported OSDI scores consistent with at least mild dry eye, and 28% met criteria for moderate or severe disease. Reduced TBUT and meibography grades indicating MGD were common in the high screen-time subgroup. Contact lens wear and low ambient humidity at the workstation were independent risk factors in adjusted models. Most participants with elevated OSDI scores had at least mild gland dropout on meibography, supporting an MGD-driven component.
Conclusions: Digital workload correlates with measurable tear instability and meibomian gland changes in this cohort. Optometrists should combine symptom scores with gland imaging when planning lid-based therapies such as warm compresses, thermal pulsation, or topical anti-inflammatory agents. Limitations include convenience sampling and lack of longitudinal follow-up.
Clinical relevance: Structured screening with OSDI plus meibography can prioritise education on blinking, breaks, and environmental humidification before advanced interventions, aligning with contemporary dry eye management guidelines.
Description
This open-access submission reports prevalence and risk factors for dry eye disease (DED) and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) among adults who use digital displays for six or more hours daily. Methods include the OSDI questionnaire, tear break-up time, and infrared meibography. Results support targeted counselling on blink exercises, humidification, and evidence-based topical therapy in optometric practice.
Supplementary issue materials include de-identified screening forms and a short patient-education leaflet suitable for clinic use.
Keywords
Issues (2)
Supplementary issue materials for this journal entry.
Issue material
Supplemental Issue B: Patient Education — Blink and Breaks for Screen Work
One-page patient handout describing the 20-20-20 rule, blink awareness, and when to seek care for persistent irritation.
Research topic
Ocular surface disease; digital eye strain; meibomian gland imaging