TEAR FILM DYSFUNCTION AND MEIBOMIAN GLAND DROPOUT IN CHRONIC SMARTPHONE USERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Purpose: To evaluate tear film function and meibomian gland morphology in chronic smartphone users and compare them with individuals having minimal screen exposure. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was co Methods: nducted at Nagri Eye Hospital from December 2023 to August 2024. Eighty participants aged 18–40 years were enrolled and divided into two groups: Group A (chronic smartphone users; usage >6 hours/day for at least 6 months) and Group B (controls; usage <1 hour/day). OSDI questionnaire, Schirmer I test, TBUT, and infrared meibography were performed. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26.0, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Mean OSDI score was significantly higher in chronic users (32.4 ± 7.1) compared to contr Results: ols (14.7 ± 5.9). Mean TBUT was 7.3 ± 2.1 seconds in users versus 11.6 ± 2.5 in controls (p < 0.001). Schirmer I values were 12.8 ± 3.2 mm vs. 18.4 ± 2.9 mm respectively. Meibography revealed partial or diffuse meibomian gland dropout in 68% of chronic users vs. 20% of controls (p < 0.001). Screen time correlated negatively with TBUT (r = –0.56, p < 0.001). Chronic smartphone use is significantly associated with Conclusion: reduced tear film stability and increased meibomian gland dropout, highlighting the need for preventive ocular care in heavy screen users.