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ABSTRACT
Smartphone is a mobile device that performs many of the functions of a computer and is actively in use especially amongst young adults. Tear film is a thin layer that covers the ocular surface and the use of smartphones under various illuminations, may have varying effects on the tear film which in turn may affect tear quantity and quality. This study was aimed at determining and comparing the effects of smartphone luminance on tear quantity and quality amongst smartphone users aged between 18-26 years. 85 participants who are smartphone users with a mean age of 21.95± 2.636 participated in this study. The tear quantity and quality were measured with Schirmer test strip and TBUT values were recorded. Participants were asked to avoid the use of smartphones for 60 minutes then Schirmer’s test and tear break up time (TBUT) were carried out and baseline values were obtained. Participants were then prompted to use a smartphone for 60 minutes in dim and brigh ilumination then Schirmer’s and TBUT were carried out. Mean quantity of tears before use of Smartphone was 17.72±5.603, and the mean quantity after use in dim illumination was 16.95±5.376, in bright illumination was 14.78±4.982, for Mean quality of tears before use of Smartphone was 17.78±7.665 and the mean quality after use in dim illumination was 16.54±7.401, in bright illumination was 16.34±7.621. However, statistically there was a significant difference between the use of Smartphone in dim and bright illumination with a P-value of P<0.001 using the Paired T-test. In conclusion, the results of the study showed that there was significant difference in tear quantity and a significant difference in tear quality in different illuminations with more effects after use in bright illumination. I therefore recommend that smartphone users should switch on the automatic blue light filter when using smartphones.
