Pediatric Dry Eye Symptoms and their Association with Screen Time Using a Modified SPEED Questionnaire

ABSTRACT 

Purpose: This pilot study identified the frequency and severity of dry eye syndrome (DES) symptoms in a pediatric population and their association with screen time using a modified Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness Questionnaire (mSPEED) questionnaire.

Methods: 51 patients were enrolled in this IRB approved study. Subjects who had external risk factors for DES such as contact lens wear, allergic conjunctivitis or use of antihistamines were excluded. The mSPEED questionnaire was administered at the time of their eye exam. Subjects reported frequency and severity of DES symptoms and hours of screen use per day for phone, tablet, desktop computer, laptop computer, and television. Adult assistance while completing the questionnaire was permitted. A linear regression analysis was performed using Ordinary Least Square (OLS) estimation.

Results: The mean age of subjects was 12.7 ± 2.9 years. (n=21 females, 27 males). 94% (48/51) of subjects were able to successfully complete the mSPEED questionnaire. The mean SPEED score was 4.39 ± 4.85. 45% of subjects had a clinically significant SPEED score of a 4. The was no correlation between DES symptoms and race sex, or younger vs. older age group. There was a significant relationship between frequency of DES symptoms and 1-2 hours(p<0.5) and 2-3 hours (p<.03) of laptop use, and 2-3 hours of desktop use (p < 0.02). Compared to low device use, both medium (pc.038), but not high (p<.059) amounts of device use were associated with symptom severity.

Conclusion: Most children in this study were able to complete the mSPEED questionnaire. Clinically significant DES symptoms were common. The frequency of symptoms was associated with amount of laptop and desktop computer use. Medium amounts of cumulative screen time, but not high amounts were associated with severity of DES symptoms. Further research is needed to validate the SPEED questionnaire against signs of DES in children.