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

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland

Status: Completed

Conditions: Computer Vision Syndrome; Dry Eye Syndromes

Treatments: Device: Animation program "BlinkBlink"

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04637516

2018-00378

Details and patient eligibility

About

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

Full 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.

Enrollment: 30 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

---

30 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Programme Version 60 sec frequency

Active Comparator group

Description:

This version of the program "BlinkBlink" has a presentation frequency of 60 sec

Treatment:

Device: Animation program "BlinkBlink"

Programme Version 300 sec frequency

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

This version of the program "BlinkBlink" has a presentation frequency of 300 sec

Treatment:

Device: Animation program "BlinkBlink"