High frequency of digital eye strain and dry eye disease in teleworkers during the coronavirus disease (2019) pandemic

Abstract

<i>Objectives.</i> This study aimed to evaluate visual display terminal (VDT)-related digital eye strain (ES) and dry eye disease (DED) symptoms in subjects whose work was changed to teleworking (TW) during the coronavirus pandemic. <i>Methods.</i> A digital self-reported survey was conducted on subjects in TW, including demographics, medical history, VDT time and ES-related symptoms before and during the pandemic and DED (dry eye questionnaire 5 [DEQ-5] questionnaire). <i>Results.</i> A total of 1797 questionnaires were analyzed. Mean age was 40.5 (<i>SD</i> 11.1) years, and 69.9% were female. The mean number of TW weeks was 10.2 (<i>SD</i> 3.0). The total VDT total hours increased from 7.4 (<i>SD</i> 3.3) to 9.5 (<i>SD</i> 3.3) (<i>p </i>< 0.001). All ES symptoms presented a significant increase (<i>p </i>< 0.001). The mean DEQ-5 score was 8.3 (<i>SD</i> 4.9). The oldest group presented lower values, and women had a higher score (<i>p </i>< 0.001). Additionally, 28.6% of the subjects were classified with severe DED, and the variables associated with a logistic regression model were total VDT hours, female gender, refractive surgery, rosacea, depression, previous DED, keratoconus and blepharitis. <i>Conclusions.</i> The number of VDT hours seemed to be a relevant factor for increase in ES symptoms and a high prevalence of DED during the pandemic period.