An Investigation of the Psychosocial Outcomes of Dry Eye Disease Treatment in Children with Computer Vision Syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To examine the effects of topical eye drops treatment on the psychosocial status of pediatric patients with computer vision syndrome (CVS)-related dry eye disease (DED). Methods In this study, a total of 38 children (6 boys, 32 girls) with CVS-related dry eye symptoms were evaluated with the Schirmer test, tear break-up time (TBUT), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) at the time of diagnosis and after artificial tear drops treatment. Additionally, the quality of life (QoL) levels and the anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using self- report scales for children. Results The mean age and mean total screen exposure of patients were 13.95 ± 2.42 years and 5.65 ± 2.31 hours, respectively. After treatment, TBUT and Schirmer test values of the patients increased significantly, while OSDI values decreased (p < 0.001 for all). The total anxiety and the depression scores of the patients decreased (p = 0.001, and p = 0.003, respectively); whilst the physical, emotional, social and school functionality scores increased (p < 0.05 for all) with treatment. There was a significant correlation between the improvements in Schirmer test values and anxiety scores (r = -0.32, p = 0.045) and QoL total scores (r = 0.38, p = 0.016). Conclusions Enhanced QoL and decreased anxiety and depression scores, correlated with the amelioration of dry eye symptoms indicate that the CVS related DED has psychosocial effects, which may decrease after appropriate treatment, in pediatric patients. Future research endeavors that integrate comprehensive evaluations of dry eye and psychiatric symptoms can yield more comprehensive and precise insights into the interplay between psychiatric disorders and DED in children with CVS, as well as the outcomes of different treatment approaches.