Relationship between Middle school Students' Computer using Time and Dry eye

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: As computer and Internet are getting widely spread, people who use visual display terminal (VDT) are increasing. Especially as computer and Internet on line games are popular, more people are exposed to VDT than in the past. So we examined to explore the relationship between middle school students' computer using time and dry eye. METHODS: The subjects were 105 middle school male students in the same district. We surveyed them on the time of computer use weekly and ocular discomfort while using computer. We examined anterior segment of the eyes by slit lamp, and checked BUT and Shirmer test. RESULTS: The subjects who frequently use computer showed shorter BUT, dry eye related ocular findings (meniscus floater, corneal erosion.), and symptoms of dry eye. But there was no significant difference in Schirmer test. CONCLUSIONS: Students in middle school age may have symptoms and ocular findings of dry eye owing to increased time of computer use. So proper rest during computer use and adequate education for dry eye are thought to be necessary.