Comparison of blinking rate in glasses-wearing and non-glasses-wearing computer vision syndrome patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Dry eye is the one of the major cause associated with corneal erosion due to decrease blinking rate. This study evaluates the blinking rate in patients visiting Mayo Hospital Lahore.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the blinking rate in normal individuals who use a computer or smartphone etc. for prolonged periods daily.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 176 Persons of all age groups above 16 years, using a computer in routine work visiting Mayo Hospital and students of College Of Ophthalmology And Allied Vision Sciences were included in this study. The blinking rate per minute was recorded.

RESULTS: The mean blinking rate is 13.28 ± 7.372 (SE. 0.790) and 14.60 ± 4.587 (SE. 0.486) without glasses and with glasses respectively. Mann Whitney-U test showed marked statistically significant difference between blinking rate/minute with glasses and without glasses.  (p=0.004). However, the blinking rate is decreased with glasses as compared to the without glasses.

CONCLUSION: It is concluded that there was marked difference between the blinking rate with and without glasses (p <0.05). The blinking rate per minute is increased with the increase in usage of computer per hour while those who wear glasses experience increased blinking rate.