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

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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
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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.

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

Conditions
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Dry Eye Syndromes, Computer Vision Syndrome

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Animation program BlinkBlink


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Subjects use two versions of the program for a set duration, separated by a washout phase. The order of versions applied is randomised.
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Programme Version 60 sec frequency<br>This version of the program BlinkBlink has a presentation frequency of 60 sec | Device: Animation program BlinkBlink<br>* Computer program that presents horizontal bars on the computer screen that move from above and below towards each other, mimicking a blink movement.<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Programme Version 300 sec frequency<br>This version of the program BlinkBlink has a presentation frequency of 300 sec | Device: Animation program BlinkBlink<br>* Computer program that presents horizontal bars on the computer screen that move from above and below towards each other, mimicking a blink movement.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Subjective improvement of dry eyes | subjective improvement with OSDI questionnaire | 14 days | 
| objective improvement of dry eyes | objective improvement of tear film quality (NIBUT) | 14 days | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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dry eye disease, computer work, computer vision syndrome