Evaluation of an Updated Version of the Program "BlinkBlink" for Alleviation of Dry Eye Symptoms Induced by Computer Work

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Computer Vision Syndrome; Dry Eye Syndromes
• Interventions: Device: Animation program "BlinkBlink"

• Registration Number: NCT04637516
• Lead Sponsor: University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland

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.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2018-04-01
• Primary Completion: 2018-08-17
• Study Completion: 2018-08-17
• Status Verified: 2020-11
• Study First Submitted: 2020-11-13
• Study First Submitted QC: 2020-11-18
• Last Update Submitted: 2020-11-18
• Study First Posted: 2020-11-19
• Last Update Posted: 2020-11-19

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 30

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Programme Version 300 sec frequency	Animation program "BlinkBlink"	This version of the program "BlinkBlink" has a presentation frequency of 300 sec
Programme Version 60 sec frequency	Animation program "BlinkBlink"	This version of the program "BlinkBlink" has a presentation frequency of 60 sec

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
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)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Institute of Optometry, FHNW; 🇨🇭 Olten, Solothurn, Switzerland