Comparison of ocular-surface disease index questionnaire, tearfilm break-up time, and Schirmer tests for the evaluation of the tearfilm in computer users with and without dry-eye symptomatology

Abstract

Objective: To compare the diagnostic values of the Schirmer's and tearfilm breakup time (TBUT) tests and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) in dry-eye syndrome.

Subjects and methods: Thirty-five employees of Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital who used computers in their daily work participated in this prospective study. All participants completed the OSDI. Following routine ophthalmologic examination, the TBUT and Schirmer's test were undertaken and outcomes were compared.

Results: The mean age was 29.09 ± 6.73 (range 20-46) years. Mean OSDI questionnaire, TBUT, and Schirmer's test scores were detected as 37.12 ± 19.05 (range 4-75), 11.37 ± 3.69 seconds (range 4-18 seconds), and 25.80 ± 8.43 mm (range 6-35 mm), respectively. There was a significant inverse correlation between the OSDI and TBUT scores (r = -0.385, P = 0.022). No significant correlation existed between the OSDI and Schirmer's test scores.

Conclusion: Dry eye is a common problem among computer users. The OSDI questionnaire, used together with the TBUT, is easily performed and may be of benefit in supporting the diagnosis of dry-eye syndrome.

Keywords: computer use; dry eye; ocular-surface disease.