Impact of screen use on tear breakup time: associations with ophthalmological factors and break frequency in office workers

Abstract

Purpose: To examine how ophthalmological features, screen exposure duration, and break habits among office employees affect ocular surface parameters. Methods: This single-center cross-sectional study involved two assessments on the same day: one before and one after a visual display terminal task. During the initial assessment, information on screen use was gathered, and refractive error, anterior segment examination, tear breakup time, and Schirmer test measurements were conducted. Participants tracked their screen usage and break durations throughout the day. At the end of the workday, tear breakup time and Schirmer I tests were repeated. Baseline and follow-up results were compared, and regression analysis was performed to identify factors linked to tear breakup time reduction. Results: The study enrolled 60 female office employees. Their mean screen time was 269.26 ± 70.21 min, with an average break duration of 151.93 ± 46.24 min. Tear breakup time at the second assessment (6.38 ± 2.70) was significantly lower than at baseline (8.62 ± 2.73) (p<0.001), whereas Schirmer test scores showed no significant change (p>0.05). Tear breakup time reduction was noted in 54 participants (90.0%), with a significant association between tear breakup time decrease percentage and screen exposure (p=0.001, r=0.463). Regression analysis showed that uncorrected or undercorrected refractive error was an independent risk factor for a ≥30% tear breakup time reduction, while taking more frequent short breaks (<15 min) acted as a protective factor. Conclusions: Taking more frequent short breaks (<15 min) and correcting refractive errors help prevent intra-day tear breakup time decline during visual display terminal use. Structuring breaks to support tear film stability is advisable for occupations that require regular visual display terminal tasks.