Conditions: Dry Eye
Keywords: Digital Eye Strain Dry Eye Artificial Tears Eye Comfort
Allocation: RANDOMIZED | Intervention model: CROSSOVER
Enrollment: 30
Healthy volunteers: yes

Brief summary:
Systane Hydration PF is a recently released preservative-free artificial tear that is able to supplement the ocular surface's moisture while simultaneously soothing the eye. While Systane Hydration PF should in theory improve the symptoms and subsequently the quality of life of patients who have DES, this clinical application has yet to be tested. This drop furthermore is available in both unit-dose and multi-dose options; however, it is unclear if patient perceive a difference between the two dispensing methods. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study is to recruit patients who have DES and to treat them with Systane Hydration PF and determine how regular use of this drop impacts a patient's ocular surface symptoms and overall quality of life. This study will secondarily compare the two dispensing methods to determine if patients prefer one method over the other.

Detailed description:
Extensive computer use is no longer an employment-specific challenge. Use of digital devices in work, home, and leisure settings is now the norm, and it is now socially expected. While the introduction of high-powered computers and digital devices have greatly improved many aspects of modern life, the pervasive use of digital devices has caused some patients to develop a condition known as Digital Eye Strain (DES). DES has been reported to be as high as 93% the population depending upon how the condition is defined, and its severity has been found to increase with increased digital device time. DES is a condition where patients experience symptoms such as glare, accommodative dysfunction, defocus, fatigue, discomfort, and dryness from digital device use, and these dry eye symptoms may also result in decreased quality of life. While dryness symptoms in DES are likely multifactorial (e.g., contact lens use, systemic disease status), much of the dryness symptoms in DES are probably due to tear film evaporation secondary to having a reduced number of blinks per minute while using digital devices. Since much of the ocular symptoms associated with DES stem from excessive tear evaporation, artificial tears have become an accepted DES treatment

Systane Hydration PF is a recently released preservative-free artificial tear that is able to supplement the ocular surface's moisture while simultaneously soothing the eye. Systane Hydration PF has HydroBoost technology, which is thought to enhance the drop's effectiveness by incorporating ingredients that increase drop retention. While Systane Hydration PF should in theory improve the symptoms and subsequently the quality of life of patients who have DES, this clinical application has yet to be tested. This drop furthermore is available in both unit-dose and multi-dose options; however, it is unclear if patient perceive a difference between the two dispensing methods. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study is to recruit patients who have DES and to treat them with Systane Hydration PF and determine how regular use of this drop impacts a patient's ocular surface symptoms and overall quality of life. This study will secondarily compare the two dispensing methods to determine if patients prefer one method over the other.

Arms:
arm 1: Subjects randomized to this group will apply the unit-dose version of Systane Hydration PF to determine if it helps alleviate symptoms associated with digital eye strain. arm 2: Subjects randomized to this group will apply multi-dose version of Systane Hydration PF to determine if it helps alleviate symptoms associated with digital eye strain.

Interventions: intervention 1: Systane Hydration PF
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: This is an over-the-counter preservative free artificial tear that can be purchased at most retail stores and pharmacies.

Protocol document:
Prot_SAP_ICF_000.pdf: 
Understanding Quality of Life in High Digital Device Users who are Treated with 
Systane Hydration PF 
 
Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan  
 
                                                 NCT04837807 
                                                
                                              November 19th, 2021  
 
Andrew Pucker, O.D.,PhD, Principal Investigator University of Alabama at Birmingham 
Birmingham, AL 35294 


Page 1 of 5
FOR206 Version Date: 03/21/2021
CONSENT FORM TO BE PART OF A RESEARCH STUDY
Title of Research:
Understanding Quality of Life in High Digital Device Users who are Treated 
with a Preservative Free Artificial Tear   
UAB IRB Protocol #:
IRB-30007063
Principal Investigator:
Andrew D. Pucker, OD, PhD
Sponsor:
ALCON RESEARCH, LTD
General Information
You are being asked to take part in a research study. This research study is 
voluntary, meaning you do not have to take part in it. The procedures, risks, and 
benefits are fully described further in the consent form.
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of a preservative free artificial 
tear on dry eye symptoms and visual quality of life in patients who have Digital 
Eye Strain (DES).
Duration & Visits
You will be in this study for 2 weeks with 3 in person visits with each visit lasting 
about 1 hour.
Overview of Procedures
This study will include eye tests, surveys, and the use of an over the counter, 
preservative free artificial tear. You will be randomly placed by chance in either 
the unit-dose drop group or the multi-dose drop group at the first visit. You will 
then be switched to the other group at the second visit. Both dispensing methods 
contain the same artificial tear. 
Risks
The risks of this study do not exceed that of a normal eye exam. The use of all eye 
drops comes with a risk of eye irritation or an allergic reaction; however, allergic 
reactions with these drops are very rare.
Benefits
You may not benefit directly from this study, but knowledge gained from this 
study could potentially help future persons suffering from eye discomfort or DES.
Alternatives
The only alternative to this study is to not take part in this study and to continue 
with your regular eye care.
Purpose of the Research Study
We are asking you to take part in a research study. Although the use of digital devices has greatly improved 
many aspects of modern life, heavy use of digital devices can lead to the development of a condition known as 
Digital Eye Strain (DES). DES is a condition where patients experience symptoms such as glare, trouble with 
focusing, visual blur, fatigue, eye discomfort and dryness as well as an overall lower quality of life. This study 
plans to determine if symptoms associated DES can be reduced or alleviated with the use of a preservative free 
artificial tear. This study will also compare two ways to dispense these drops (unit-dose vs. multi-dose). We 
plan to enroll a total of 30 subjects at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Dr. Andrew Pucker, the principal investigator for this study, receives consulting fees from companies other 
than the sponsor, which may affect his financial interests. If you would like more information, please ask Dr. 
Pucker.
UAB IRB
Approved
18-Jun-2021


Page 2 of 5
FOR206 Version Date: 03/21/2021
Study Participation & Procedures
If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to come in for 3 in person visits over the course of 2 
weeks that will last about 1 hour each. You will be asked to complete surveys used to gauge eye comfort and 
health, and you will be asked complete the below procedures in the listed order. The testing listed below is 
often included in a typical eye exam. 
Study Visit 1

Subject History, Eligibility, Informed Consent: You will be asked to complete a screening survey to verify 
that you are eligible for the study. We will also fully explain this study to you and let you decide if you 
would like to participate. 

Impact of Dry Eye on Daily Life (IDEEL) Questionnaire: We will ask you to complete a self-administered 
survey to understand how common daily activities are affected by eye comfort. 

Visual Acuity: We will evaluate your ability to read the eye chart.  

Slit-Lamp Biomicroscope: We will use a lighted biomicroscope to document your eye health. 

Randomization: We will place you by chance in one of the dosage groups. Both dosage options contain 
the same artificial tears. You will also be educated how to use the eye drops each day. 

Eye Drop Log: You will be given a paper daily log to record the time and number of drops used each day 
and eye comfort throughout the day. We ask that you use the drops at least 4 times per day. You will also 
be asked to record the duration and type of digital device used each day, and you will be asked to return 
this log at your next study visit. 
Study Visit 2 

Impact of Dry Eye on Daily Life (IDEEL) Questionnaire: We will ask you to complete a self-
administered survey to understand how common daily activities are affected by eye comfort. 

Visual Acuity: We will evaluate your ability to read the eye chart.  

Slit-Lamp Biomicroscope: We will use a lighted biomicroscope to document your eye health.

Drop Survey: You will be asked to complete an investigator-developed survey to help understand your 
perception of the eye drops and dosage method. 

Crossover: You will be placed in the opposite dosage group, and you will be educated how to use the 
drops each day.

Eye Drop Log: You will be given a paper daily log to record the time and number of drops used each 
day and eye comfort throughout the day. We ask that you use the drops at least 4 times per day. You 
will also be asked to record the duration and type of digital device used each day, and you will be 
asked to return this log at your next study visit. 
Study Visit 3 
Impact of Dry Eye on Daily Life (IDEEL) Questionnaire: We will ask you to complete a self-
administered survey to understand how common daily activities are affected by eye comfort. 
Visual Acuity: We will evaluate your ability to read the eye chart.  
Slit-Lamp Biomicroscope: We will use a lighted biomicroscope to document your eye health
Drop Survey: You will be asked to complete an investigator-developed survey to help understand your 
perception of the eye drops and dosage method. 
Completion: The examiner will reveal the contents of the eye drops. You will then be compensated for 
your time, and you will be released from the study. 
Risks and Discomforts


Page 3 of 5
FOR206 Version Date: 03/21/2021
This study does not involve any inherent risks or discomforts, though there is a chance that you may find the 
drops to sting slightly upon instillation. This is a common and accepted issue with eye drops; however, it is 
unlikely since these drops are designed to improve eye comfort. If you find any of the eye tests or the drops to 
be uncomfortable, you will be allowed to stop the study at any time. There is also a risk of breach of 
confidentiality; however, every reasonable precaution has been taken to avoid this potential risk. 
Benefits
You may not benefit directly from taking part in this study. However, knowledge gained from this research will 
help the medical community better understand if preservative free artificial tears can help reduce or alleviate 
the symptoms associated with DES. 
Alternatives
Your alternative is to not participate in this study. 
Confidentiality and Authorization to Use and Disclose Information for Research Purposes
Federal regulations give you certain rights related to your health information. These include the right to know 
who will be able to get the information and why they may be able to get it. The study doctor must get your 
authorization (permission) to use or give out any health information that might identify you.
What protected health information may be used and/or given to others?
All medical information, including but not limited to information and/or records of any diagnosis or treatment 
of disease or condition, which may include sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, etc.) or communicable 
diseases, drug/alcohol dependency, etc.; all personal identifiers, including but not limited to your name, social 
security number, medical record number, date of birth, dates of service, etc.; any past, present, and future 
history, examinations, laboratory results, imaging studies and reports and treatments of any kind, including but 
not limited to drug/alcohol treatment, psychiatric/psychological treatment; financial/billing information, 
including but not limited to copies of your medical bills; any other information related to or collected for use in 
the research study, regardless of whether the information was collected for research or non-research (e.g., 
treatment) purposes; records about any study drug you received or about study devices used; and consent 
forms from past studies that might be in your medical record.
Who may use and give out this information?
Information about your health may be used and given to others by the study doctor and staff. They might see 
the research information during and after the study.
Who might get this information?
All individuals/entities listed in the informed consent document(s), including but not limited to, the physicians, 
nurses and staff and others performing services related to the research (whether at UAB or elsewhere). Your 
information may also be given to the sponsor of this research. “Sponsor” includes any persons or companies 
that are working for or with the sponsor, or are owned by the sponsor, or are providing support to the sponsor 
(e.g., contract research organization).
Information about you and your health which might identify you may be given to:

the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP)

the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) agencies


Page 4 of 5
FOR206 Version Date: 03/21/2021

Governmental agencies in other countries

Governmental agencies to whom certain diseases (reportable diseases) must be reported

 the University of Alabama at Birmingham - the physicians, nurses and staff working on the research 
study (whether at UAB or elsewhere); other operating units of UAB, UAB Hospital, UAB Highlands 
Hospital, as necessary for their operations; the UAB IRB and its staff of UAB and its billing agents

ALCON RESEARCH, LTD
Why will this information be used and/or given to others?
Information about you and your health that might identify you may be given to others to carry out the 
research study. The sponsor will analyze and evaluate the results of the study. In addition, people from the 
sponsor and its consultants will be visiting the research site. They will follow how the study is done, and they 
will be reviewing your information for this purpose.
What if I decide not to give permission to use and give out my health information?
By signing this consent form, you are giving permission to use and give out the health information listed above 
for the purposes described above. If you refuse to give permission, you will not be able to be in this research.
May I review or copy the information obtained from me or created about me?
You have the right to review and copy your health information. However, if you decide to be in this study and 
sign this permission form, you will not be allowed to look at or copy your information until after the research is 
completed.
May I withdraw or revoke (cancel) my permission?
Yes, but this permission will not stop automatically. The use of your personal health information will continue 
until you cancel your permission.
You may withdraw or take away your permission to use and disclose your health information at any time. You 
do this by sending written notice to the study doctor. If you withdraw your permission, you will not be able to 
continue being in this study.
When you withdraw your permission, no new health information which might identify you will be gathered 
after that date. Information that has already been gathered may still be used and given to others. This would 
be done if it were necessary for the research to be reliable.
Is my health information protected after it has been given to others?
If you give permission to give your identifiable health information to a person or business, the information may 
no longer be protected. There is a risk that your information will be released to others. Including others 
outside of UAB, without your permission.
Voluntary Participation and Withdrawal
Whether or not you take part in this study is your choice. There will be no penalty if you decide not to be in it. 
If you decide not to be in the study, you will not lose any benefits you are otherwise owed.
You are free to withdraw from this study at any time. Your choice to leave the study will not affect your 
relationship with this institution. However, you should return to see the study doctor for safety reasons so you 
can be taken off the study drug and referred for follow-up care. Contact the study doctor if you want to 
withdraw from the study.


Page 5 of 5
FOR206 Version Date: 03/21/2021
You may be removed from the study without your consent if the sponsor ends the study, if the study doctor 
decides it is not in the best interest of your health, or if you are not following the study rules.
If you are a UAB student or employee, taking part in this research is not a part of your UAB class work or 
duties. You can refuse to enroll or withdraw after enrolling at any time before the study is over, with no effect 
on your class standing, grades, or job at UAB. You will not be offered or receive any special consideration if you 
take part in this research.
Cost of Participation
There will be no cost to you for taking part in this study. 
Payment for Participation
You will be paid $200 via a Greenphire Clincard at the completion of this study to compensate you for the time 
that you devoted to this study. Ask the study staff about the method of payment that will be used for this 
study (e.g., check, cash, gift card, direct deposit).
New Findings
You will be told by the study doctor or the study staff if new information becomes available that might affect 
your choice to stay in the study.
Questions
If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about the research or a research-related injury including 
available treatments, please contact the study doctor. You may contact Dr. Andrew D. Pucker at (205) 975-
9938 or after hours by emailing him at apucker@uab.edu.
If you have questions about your rights as a research participant, or concerns or complaints about the 
research, you may contact the UAB Office of the IRB (OIRB) at (205) 934-3789 or toll free at 1-855-860-3789. 
Regular hours for the OIRB are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.
Legal Rights
You are not waiving any of your legal rights by signing this consent form.
Signatures
Your signature below indicates that you have read (or been read) the information provided above and agree to 
participate in this study. You will receive a copy of this signed consent form.
Signature of Participant
Date
Signature of Person Obtaining Consent
Date


 
Understanding Quality of Life in High Digital Device Users who are 
Treated with Systane Hydration PF 
 
 
Principal Investigator: 
Andrew D. Pucker, OD, PhD, FAAO1 
 
 
Co-Investigators: 
Chris Lievens, OD, MS, FNAP, FAAO2 
Gerald McGwin, Jr., MS, PhD1 
Quentin X. Franklin, BS1 
Gregory S. Wolfe, OD, MPH, FNAP, FAAO2,3 
 
University of Alabama at Birmingham1 
School of Optometry 
1716 University Blvd 
Birmingham, AL 35233 
apucker@uab.edu 
(920) 579-2900 
 
Southern College of Optometry2 
Memphis, TN 
 
Center for Eye and Health Outcomes3 
Memphis, TN 
 
 
 
 
 
 


I. INTRODUCTION & RATIONALE 
 
Extensive computer use is no longer an employment-specific challenge. Use of digital devices in work, home, 
and leisure settings is now the norm, and it is now socially expected.1 While the introduction of high-powered 
computers and digital devices have greatly improved many aspects of modern life, the pervasive use of digital 
devices has caused some patients to develop a condition known as Digital Eye Strain (DES). DES has been 
reported to be as high as 93% the population depending upon how the condition is defined, and its severity 
has been found to increase with increased digital device time.1, 2 DES is a condition where patients experience 
symptoms such as glare, accommodative dysfunction, defocus, fatigue, discomfort, and dryness from digital 
device use,2 and these dry eye symptoms may also result in decreased quality of life.3 While dryness 
symptoms in DES are likely multifactorial (e.g., contact lens use, systemic disease status), much of the dryness 
symptoms in DES are probably due to tear film evaporation secondary to having a reduced number of blinks 
per minute while using digital devices.2 Since much of the ocular symptoms associated with DES stem from 
excessive tear evaporation, artificial tears have become an accepted DES treatment.2  
 
Systane Hydration PF is a recently released preservative-free artificial tear that is able to supplement the 
ocular surface’s moisture while simultaneously soothing the eye. Systane Hydration PF has HydroBoost 
technology, which is thought to enhance the drop’s effectiveness by incorporating ingredients that increase 
drop retention. While Systane Hydration PF should in theory improve the symptoms and subsequently the 
quality of life of patients who have DES, this clinical application has yet to be tested. This drop furthermore is 
available in both unit-dose and multi-dose options; however, it is unclear if patient perceive a difference 
between the two dispensing methods. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study is to recruit patients who 
have DES and to treat them with Systane Hydration PF and determine how regular use of this drop impacts a 
patient’s ocular surface symptoms and overall quality of life. This study will secondarily compare the two 
dispensing methods to determine if patients prefer one method over the other.  
 
II. SPECIFIC AIM 
 
Aim: Determine the effect of Systane Hydration PF on dry eye symptoms and visual quality of life in 
subjects who have Digital Eye Strain (DES).  
Hypothesis 1: Systane Hydration PF will significantly improve IDEEL Work scores in heavy digital device 
users (≥ 8 hours of wear/day).  
Hypothesis 2: Subjects will report higher ease of use satisfaction when using multi-dose Systane Hydration 
PF compared to unit-dose Systane Hydration PF. 
 
III. STUDY DESIGN  
 
Subjects 
This two-week, three-visit study will be conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (Birmingham, 
AL, USA). A total of 30 subjects will be recruited since this is a descriptive study. Subjects will be recruited from 
each site via clinic records, email, and fliers. Adult (>18 years) patients who answer yes to the following two 
questions and use digital devices (e.g., computers, tablets, or smart phones) ≥8 hours/day will be recruited:  
“Are your eyes dry, irritated, or itchy or do they burn while using a digital screen, like a computer or 
smartphone? Yes or No 
 


“Eye fatigue is the physical discomfort of your eyes after spending periods of time throughout the day in front 
of a digital screen, like a computer or smartphone.”4 Do you have eye fatigue based upon the this definition? 
Yes or No 
Subjects will also be required to have a Work Impact of Dry Eye on Daily Life (IDEEL) score ≤80 to ensure that 
they have clinically meaningful symptoms,5 and they will be required to have an Ocular Surface Disease Index 
(OSDI) score between 13 and 32 (inclusive) to ensure that they have mild to moderate dry eye symptoms.6, 7 
Subjects will be excluded if they had worn contact lenses in the past week or during the course of the study, 
have known systemic health conditions that are thought to alter tear film physiology (e.g., Sjögren's 
syndrome), have a history of ocular surgery within the past 12 months, have a history of severe ocular trauma, 
active ocular infection or inflammation, are currently using isotretinoin-derivatives or ocular medications, are 
currently using a dry eye treatment other than artificial tears, are currently using more than 4 drops of 
artificial tears per day in each eye, or if they are pregnant or breast feeding.8 If subjects are currently using 
artificial tears, they will be required to refrain from using them for at least 24 hours before their baseline visit, 
and they will only be allowed to use Systane Hydration during the study.  
 
Surveys and Clinical Tests 
 
This will be a prospective, investigator-masked clinical trial, which will be registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. 
Subjects who meet all study criteria will be enrolled into the study. The contents of the drops will be concealed 
from the subjects. Clinical measurement will be obtained from both eyes of each subject and testing will be 
performed in the below order. Testing order was designed to sequentially administered the least invasive to 
most invasive test. This methodology will ensure that a previous procedure will have a minimal effect on all 
subsequent assessments.9 Subject will be asked to bring their spectacles to the study visit and to adhere to the 
contact lens exclusion factors described above throughout the study.  
 
Visit 1 
 
1. Subject History, Eligibility, Informed Consent: Subjects will be asked to complete a screening survey at the 
first study visit to verify that they are eligible for the study. All relevant ocular, systemic, and surgical history will 
be gathered via a questionnaire developed by the investigators. This questionnaire will also ask about digital 
device usage and eye comfort while using digital devices. The subjects will complete the OSDI questionnaire, 
and they will be required to have a score between 13 and 32 (inclusive). The subject will be asked to complete 
the Work IDEEL, and they will be required to have a score ≤80. Non-eligible subjects will be dismissed at this 
time or rescheduled depending upon the reason for ineligibility. Eligible subjects will be enrolled, consented, 
and requested to sign a privacy document.  
 
2. Impact of Dry Eye on Daily Life (IDEEL) questionnaire: The full Impact on Daily Life segment of the IDEEL 
questionnaire will be self-administered electronically to understand how quality of life and common daily 
activities are affected by eye comfort (e.g., computer work, near work).10 
 
3. Visual Acuity: The subject’s visual acuity will be measured with a Bailey-Lovie high-contrast (logMAR) chart 
or equivalent. If the patient is unable to read the 20/40 letters (0.3 logMAR), the investigator will pinhole over 
the patient’s unaided or presenting refractive error correction to determine the subject’s visual potential.  
 
4. Slit-Lamp Biomicroscopy: The investigator will use a slit-lamp biomicroscope to document normal and/or 
remarkable findings of the anterior eye structures: eyelashes (blepharitis), eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea. 
Eyelids will be graded based upon a grading scale that was developed by the investigators. 
 


5. Subject Randomization: The examiner will use an electronic randomization system to place the subject in the 
Systane Hydration Multi-Dose group or the Systane Hydration Unit-Dose group. Subjects will be required to use 
their allocated drop two to four times per day in each eye. 
 
6. Subject Compliance: Subjects will be given a daily log to record the time and number of drops used each day; 
these data will be used to determine drop compliance for each dispensing method. They will also be asked to 
record the duration and type of digital device use each day.  
 
Visit 2 
 
1. Testing: Subjects will be asked to repeat the IDEEL and clinical tests described above at this visit. The 
compliance log will likewise be collected at this visit and a new one will be given.  
 
2. Drop Application Satisfaction Survey: An investigator developed survey will be created based upon the 
glaucoma literature to understand patient satisfaction related to applying Systane Hydration via the Unit-Dose 
and Multi-Dose options.  
 
3. Subject Crossover: Subjects will be switched to the opposite treatment group. No washout period will be 
needed because all subjects will be using Systane Hydration; they will just be applying the drop via the alterative 
dispensing method for the second week of the study. Subjects will be required to use their allocated drop two 
to four times per day in each eye.  
 
Visit 3 
 
1. Testing: Subjects will be asked to repeat the IDEEL and clinical tests described above at this visit. The 
compliance log will likewise be collected at this visit.  
 
2. Drop Application Satisfaction Survey: An investigator developed survey will be created based upon the 
glaucoma literature to understand patient satisfaction related to applying Systane Hydration via the Unit-Dose 
and Multi-Dose options.  
 
3. Study Completion: The examiner will reveal the study details to the subjects (Systane Hydration PF). The 
subject will be compensated for their time, and they will be released from the study at this time.  
 
Data Management & Analysis 
 
Surveys and all data will be collected via a secured web service (REDCap) at the time of the study visit. Gerald 
McGwin, Jr, MS, PhD, Professor and Vice Chairman in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of 
Alabama at Birmingham, will perform the statistical analyses. All data will be analyzed with SAS Version 9.4 
(SAS; Cary, NC, USA). ANOVA, T-tests, and chi-square tests will be used when comparing variables. If the 
assumptions of these tests cannot be met suitable alternative statistical tests (e.g., Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test, 
Fisher’s Exact Test) will be used instead. The questionnaire data will furthermore be presented in a table that 
will describe the frequency by which each subject indicated each questionnaire response.  
 
Training of Study Personnel 
 
Prior to enrolling any subjects all clinical examiners will participate in a meeting run by Dr. Pucker. This full 
investigator meeting will ensure that all study investigators are performing the procedures in the same manner. 


Data from each investigator’s first subject will also be monitored for quality control before sites are allowed to 
enroll additional subjects.  
 
IV. Study Timeline 
 
  
2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 
  
Mar 
Apr 
May 
Jun 
Jul 
Activity 
 
Contracting 
  
 
 
 
 
IRB Preparation  
 
  
  
  
Data Collection  
  
 
  
  
  
Data Analysis 
 
 
 
 
 
Final Study Report 
 
 
V. Publication Plans 
 
An abstract evaluating the effects of Systane Hydration PF on ocular comfort and quality of life will be 
submitted to the Global Specialty Lens Symposium 2022. A summary of this work will be submitted as a 
manuscript to Contact Lens & Anterior Eye.   
 
VI. Conclusions 
 
This project will provide some of the first data related to the quality of life of patients who have DES who are 
heavy digital device users. It will likewise provide insights into to the usefulness of Systane Hydration PF in 
patients who have DES, and it will provide some of the first guidance related to dosing methods of dry eye 
treatments. Ultimately, after completion of this study, clinicians will have a better understanding of the 
symptomatology surrounding DES and how Systane Hydration PF affects these symptoms. 
 
VII. References 
 
1. 
Sheppard AL, Wolffsohn JS. Digital eye strain: prevalence, measurement and amelioration. BMJ Open 
Ophthalmol 2018;3:e000146. 
2. 
Coles-Brennan C, Sulley A, Young G. Management of digital eye strain. Clin Exp Optom 2019;102:18-
29. 
3. 
Paulsen AJ, Cruickshanks KJ, Fischer ME, et al. Dry eye in the beaver dam offspring study: 
prevalence, risk factors, and health-related quality of life. Am J Ophthalmol 2014;157:799-806. 
4. 
Meyer D, Rickert M, Kollbaum P. Ocular symptoms associated with digital device use in contact lens 
and non-contact lens groups. Contact lens & anterior eye : the journal of the British Contact Lens Association 
2021;44:42-50. 
5. 
Pouyeh B, Viteri E, Feuer W, et al. Impact of ocular surface symptoms on quality of life in a United 
States veterans affairs population. Am J Ophthalmol 2012;153:1061-1066 e1063. 
6. 
Schiffman RM, Christianson MD, Jacobsen G, Hirsch JD, Reis BL. Reliability and validity of the Ocular 
Surface Disease Index. Arch Ophthalmol 2000;118:615-621. 
7. 
Dougherty BE, Nichols JJ, Nichols KK. Rasch analysis of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). 
Investigative ophthalmology & visual science 2011;52:8630-8635. 
8. 
Sullivan BD, Crews LA, Sonmez B, et al. Clinical utility of objective tests for dry eye disease: variability 
over time and implications for clinical trials and disease management. Cornea 2012;31:1000-1008. 
9. 
Bron AJ, Evans VE, Smith JA. Grading of corneal and conjunctival staining in the context of other dry 
eye tests. Cornea 2003;22:640-650. 
10. 
Fairchild CJ, Chalmers RL, Begley CG. Clinically important difference in dry eye: change in IDEEL-
symptom bother. Optom Vis Sci 2008;85:699-707.