Ocular symptoms in computer users are associated with higher corneal cold sensitivity

Abstract

Purpose : Heightened sensory input from cold thermoreceptors, in addition to nociceptors, contributes to the unpleasant sensations of dry eye. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between ocular symptoms and corneal sensitivity to cold and mechanical stimuli in computer users.

Methods : Sixty frequent computer users (27 females and 33 males, aged 31 ± 6 years) (computer use ≥ 4 hours/day), including symptomatic and asymptomatic users, participated in this clinical trial. Cold (15 ^oC) and mechanical sensation thresholds (CST and MST, respectively) were determined at the central cornea of the randomly selected eye of each participant using the UNSW Liquid Jet Aesthesiometer. Ocular surface and digital eye strain symptoms were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Ocular Comfort Index (OCI), Instant Ocular Symptom Survey (IOSS) and Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q). Associations between central corneal sensation thresholds and demographic variables (age, sex, ethnicity), patterns of digital device use and symptom scores were analyzed using Pearson (r) or Spearman (ρ) correlations and multiple linear regression models. Significance was determined at p < 0.05.

Results : Age (ρ = 0.24), CVS-Q score (ρ = -0.33) and MST (ρ = 0.63) were significantly associated with CST (p ≤ 0.04), but there were no significant relationships with OSDI, OCI or IOSS (p ≥ 0.34). In linear regression models, age and MST were significant predictors of CST (p = 0.03 and p < 0.001, respectively) (Adjusted R² = 0.467). No significant correlations between MST and symptoms or demographic characteristics were observed (p ≥ 0.09) and the regression analysis identified CST as the sole predictor of MST (p < 0.001) (Adjusted R² = 0.435).

Conclusions : Symptoms of digital eye strain were associated with higher corneal sensitivity to a cold stimulus. Dry eye and ocular comfort questionnaire scores were not associated with corneal sensitivity. Corneal hypersensitivity to cold stimulus as a marker of ocular discomfort during computer use requires further investigation.

This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.

 

Correlations between central corneal sensation thresholds and demographic variables and symptom scores.

 

Multiple linear regression analyses for predictors of cold and mechanical sensation thresholds at the central cornea.