Environmental factors have negative impact on ocular surface
In this single-center, prospective clinical study, 150 individuals were followed for 1 year and evaluated for non-invasive keratograph break-up time (NIKBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and conjunctival and limbal hyperemia. Patients also took an Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire.
Individuals working >4 hours at the computer had statistically significantly lower NIKBUT before work and Schirmer test results than individuals working <4 hours.
There was a statistically significantly higher conjunctival hyperemia result in individuals working >4 hours at a computer before work and after work in medical workers.
Tear film was negatively affected by low relative air humidity and air-conditioning, resulting in dry eye disease symptoms.
At the 1-year follow-up, there was a statistically significant reduction in conjunctival and limbal hyperemia in office workers. A statistically significant reduction in tear meniscus height was also noted at the first examination before and after work.
Reference
Chlasta-Twardzik E, Górecka-Nitoń A, Nowińska A, et al. The influence of work environment factors on the ocular surface in a one-year follow-up prospective clinical study. Diagnostics (Basel). 2021;11(3):392. DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030392. PMID: 33668951