Effect Of Screen Exposure On Ocular Surface: Virtual Reality Headset Wear Vs Computer Display Use
Published 2024 - 42nd Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: PO929 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/386g-az46
Authors: Serdar Bilici* 1 , Neriman Selcuk 2 , Numan Küçük 2 , Suat Hayri Uğurbaş 2
1Ophthalmology,Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University,Zonguldak,Türkiye;Ophthalmology,Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University,Zonguldak,Türkiye, 2Ophthalmology,Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University,Zonguldak,Türkiye
Purpose
To compare the effects of virtual reality headset wear and computer monitor use on ocular surface
Setting
Bülent Ecevit University, Department of Ophthalmology, Zonguldak, Turkey
Methods
Twenty-eight medical school students were enrolled to the study. Participants were randomized to either 30 minutes of continuous use of a computer display or virtual reality headset on different days. Participants’ demographic data and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire scores were obtained. Non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) and corneal staining score (according to Oxford scale) were recorded at baseline and immediately following the 30-minute exposure period.
Results
Twenty-eight eyes (right ones) of 28 participants (15 women, 13 men) were included in the study. The mean OSDI score was 24.26 ± 17.59. There was a 1.2 ± 0.8 sec increase in the mean NI-BUT of virtual reality headset group while 1.9 ± 1.2 sec decrease was observed in computer screen group (p=0.012). No corneal staining was observed in groups neither at baseline nor following the exposure period.
Conclusions
In contrast to computer display use, virtual reality headset wear results in an increase of NIBUT by providing a closed periocular microenvironment which protects tear film against evaporation.