Comparison of the OSDI Questionnaire, the Tear Film Break-up Time and Schirmer Tests for the Evaluation of Tear Film in Computer users and Contact Lenses without Dry Eye Symptoms

Aims: To compare the diagnostic values of the OSDI, the Schirmer’s and tear film breakup time test to check for dry eye in healthy adult students using computers and contact lenses.

Methodology: Our sample consisted of hundred (100) eyes from fifty (50) healthy adults aged 18-24 years students at the University of West Attica (25 participants were contact lens wearers, while the remaining 25 were not). All participants were exposed to a computer screen or a mobile screen. Qualitative tear measurement was performed with Tear Break-Up Time Test (TBUT), quantitative measurement of tears with Schirmer Test and use of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI).

Results: During the analysis of the results, it was found that OSDI was inversely proportional to the TBUT test and the Schirmer test. 60% did not have dry eye, 34% had a mild dry eye, 4% had moderate dry eye and 2% had severe dry eye. Α statistically significant relationship existed between OSDI and the other variables as well as the TBUT test with Schirmer test (p-value <0.05).

Conclusion: The OSDI questionnaire, used in conjunction with the TBUT test, was easy to perform and could be helpful in supporting the diagnosis of dry eye syndrome.