Effect of Treatment With Systane Ultra in Symptomatology and Visual Task Efficiency in Digital Device Users

Visual display terminal users (>4h/day) with DES (CVSS17 score: ranged 29 to 42) and dryness (OSDI score: ranged 13 to 24) symptomatology were prescribed with preservative-free artificial tears (Systane Ultra UD, Alcon) four times a day for one month collecting OSDI and CVSS17 questionnaires in four visits [screening (Day -7), initial (Day 0), one week (Day 7) and one month (Day 30)].

Blink rate and number of eye fixations (collected with eye-tracker) in six simple computer tasks and out-loud reading speed were determined before and after performing all tasks on the computer. Tear film stability and ocular parameters were also measured.

Inclusion criteria

• Volunteer subjects of legal age will be included who agree to participate in the study after being informed by the researcher, receiving the information sheet and signing the informed consent.
• Eye discomfort related to dryness (OSDI score ranged from 13 to 24)
• Symptomatic digital device users (CVSS17 score ranged from 29 to 42 points - stages 3 and 4)
• Use of computer continuously for at least 4 hours per day (work week)
• Good best-corrected visual acuity (Visual acuity LogMar ≤ 0.00 for distance, intermediate (60cm) and near (40cm))

Exclusion criteria

• Systemic administration of drugs with a possible effect on the ocular surface.
• Topical administration of any drugs that can alter the ocular surface.
• Use of contact lenses
• Use of artificial tears or lubricants at least 7 days before inclusion in the study (recruitment visit).
• Any other ocular pathology or binocular conditions which may cause discomfort (e.g. heterophoric, accommodative, and eye movement disorders)