RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06163989

Protecting the Eyes of Gamers With Lubricating Eyedrops

The Protective Impact of TheaLoz Duo Eyedrop on the Ocular Surface in Hand-Held Console and Computer Game Users

Sponsor

Aston University

Enrollment

28 participants

Start Date

Sep 1, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Dry Eye Syndromes

Summary

The excessive use of screens particularly amongst digital gamers can adversely impact the health of the surface of the eyes with symptoms and signs of surface damage. While strategies including limiting screen time exist, these may be ineffective given the widespread rise of digital device use and gaming culture in the modern era. There is limited evidence for the protective effect of lubricating eyedrops on the ocular surface for handheld console and computer gamers. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of a lubricating eyedrop (TheaLoz Duo) on the surface of the eyes in handheld console and computer gamers. The main question it aims to answer is whether TheaLoz Duo could protect the surface of the eyes from dessication and alleviate symptoms of dry eye disease in handheld console and computer gamers. Participants will receive either the lubricating eyedrop first for 1 month, followed by a control condition (no eyedrops) for another month, or the other way round. Participants will attend 3 visits in total, each separated by 1 month apart. During each visit, routine clinical assessments of the front of the eye will be conducted. Subsequent findings from this timely study will help improve care of the surface of the eyes for a growing population of gamers worldwide.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria7

Individuals with dryness symptoms as assessed with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI score ≥ 13).
Individuals who play handheld console and computer-based games ≥ 2 hours everyday on average
Individuals who are comfortable and competent at using smartphone applications
Age ≥ 18 years, male or female
Able to provide written consent in English
Able to instil the treatment lubricating eyedrop on their own, and return any provided eyedrop bottle to the researcher used at the end of the treatment
Able to attend multiple visits (3 visits over 2 months)

Exclusion Criteria3

Pregnancy
Use of any topical ocular medical eyedrops or lubricants in the 1 week prior to starting the study or during the study period. Those who are using existing lubricating eyedrops and are interested in participating will be required to stop their lubricating eyedrops for 1 week prior to commencing the study
History of ocular surgery, trauma or infections in the past 6 months

Print for Your Doctor

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

DRUGTheaLoz Duo Eyedrop

TheaLoz Duo lubricating eyedrop contains 3.0% trehalose and 0.15% sodium hyaluronate as active ingredients and will be used by participants everyday to instill 1 drop, 4 times a day in both eyes.