Protecting the Eyes of Gamers With Lubricating Eyedrops

Last updated: January 27, 2025
Sponsor: Aston University
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Dry Eyes

Treatment

Saline Eyedrop

TheaLoz Duo Eyedrop

Clinical Study ID

NCT06163989
HLS21135
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study 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 Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion criteria:

  • 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 onaverage

  • 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 anyprovided eyedrop bottle to the researcher used at the end of the treatment

  • Able to attend multiple visits (3 visits over 2 months)

Exclusion

Exclusion criteria:

  • Pregnancy

  • Use of any topical ocular medical eyedrops or lubricants in the 1 week prior tostarting the study or during the study period. Those who are using existinglubricating eyedrops and are interested in participating will be required to stoptheir lubricating eyedrops for 1 week prior to commencing the study

  • History of ocular surgery, trauma or infections in the past 6 months

Study Design

Total Participants: 28
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Saline Eyedrop
Phase:
Study Start date:
September 01, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
December 30, 2025

Study Description

This study will be a randomized, outcome assessor-masked, cross-over clinical study to assess the potential impact of TheaLoz Duo lubricating eyedrop on symptoms and signs of dry eye disease in handheld console and computer gamers. All visits will be conducted at the Aston Dry Eye Clinic in Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Connect with a study center

  • School of Optometry, Aston University

    Birmingham, West Midlands B4 7ET
    United Kingdom

    Active - Recruiting

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