High Frequency of Digital Eye Strain and Dry Eye Disease in Teleworkers during the Coronavirus Disease (2019) Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose 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. Methods: 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 (DEQ-5 questionnaire). Results: A total of 1797 questionnaires were analyzed. The mean age was 40.5 (SD 11.1) years, and 69.9% were female. The mean number of TW weeks was 10.2 (SD 3.0). The total VDT time increased from 7.4 (SD 3.3) to 9.5 (SD 3.3) hours (p< 0.001). All ES symptoms presented a significant increase (p< 0.001). The mean DEQ-5 score was 8.3 (SD 4.9). The elderly group presented lower values, and women had a higher score (p< 0.001). Additionally, 28.6% of the subjects were classified a severe DED, and the variables associated with a logistic regression model were the total VDT hours, female sex, refractive surgery, rosacea, depression, previous DED, keratoconus, and blepharitis. Conclusions: The number of VDT hours seemed to be a relevant factor for increase in eye strain (ES) symptoms and a high prevalence of DED during the pandemic period.