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Purpose: To evaluate how Video Display Terminal (VDT) use, Contact Lens (CL) wear, and eyedrop use affect ocular surface parameters in participants with ocular discomfort and how these factors may vary across different age groups. Methods: The current cross-sectional study initially involved a total of 252 participants who completed a self-administered survey to collect information about ocular discomfort and lifestyle factors. This online survey was composed of an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and three extra questions regarding lifestyle factors (VDT use, CL wear, and eyedrop use). Only 185 symptomatic participants, those with OSDI values > 12, were scheduled to undergo a comprehensive ocular examination that included tear film osmolarity, Fluorescein Break-Up Time (FBUT), Maximum Blink Interval (MBI), and corneal staining. Results: Differences in ocular parameters and lifestyle factors across age groups (60 years) were analyzed, along with their correlations and regression. Significant age group differences were found in OSDI, osmolarity, FBUT, and MBI (One-way ANOVA, all p ≤ 0.029). Correlations were observed between CL wear and osmolarity and MBI (Pearson’s correlation, both p ≤ 0.049). Multiple regression confirmed age associations with OSDI, osmolarity, FBUT, and MBI (Multiple linear regression, all p ≤ 0.040) and found links between VDT use and osmolarity and MBI (Multiple linear regression, both p ≤ 0.038) and between eyedrop use and OSDI (Multiple linear regression, p = 0.040). Conclusion: Aging is a primary factor affecting ocular homeostasis, with older adults showing lower FBUT and MBI values and higher osmolarity. Prolonged use of VDTs exacerbates this effect, further contributing to ocular discomfort and destabilized tear film. No associations between CL wear and any of the ocular parameters were found. Eyedrop use shows varied effects on ocular comfort across age groups, emphasizing the need for age-specific ocular care. Overall, these findings confirm that aging and extended VDT use play a significant role in ocular surface discomfort.

Determining the axial length (AL) of the eye is of significant interest in the management of myopia. However, the devices that allow this value to be obtained are either expensive, for example, optical biometers, or inconvenient for use in pediatric population, such is the case with ultrasound biometers. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a mathematical model for estimating the AL value based on easily obtainable variables, with the novel addition of body height to the analysis. A total of 170 eyes of 85 myopic volunteers (mean age of 10.8 ± 1.45 years, ranging from 7 to 14 years) were included in the analysis. Participants underwent anamnesis, keratometry by NVISION-K 5001, subjective refraction by an optometrist, AL measurement by the Topcon MYAH biometer, and body height measurement. Spearman’s correlation test was employed to analyze the relationships between AL and keratometry, spherical equivalent, body height (Sperman’s correlation, all r ≥ 0.267, all p < 0.001), and age (Spearman’s correlation, p = 0.081). Subsequently, multiple regression analysis was conducted on the variables that demonstrated a previous correlation. The mathematical model obtained permits the estimation of AL based on average keratometry, spherical equivalent, and body height. This model is significant (p < 0.001) and explains 82.4% of AL variability.

The present study aimed to assess the symptomatic status of Convergence Insufficiency (CI) in university students from 2018 to 2023 considering the educational environment pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic confinements. A Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) was conducted annually from 2018 to 2023, excluding 2020, in an initial group of 217 third-year Optics and Optometry degree university student participants. In the final group (178 participants), the statistical differences in CISS scores between years were analysed, both overall and by questionnaire subgroup, along with associations between CISS diagnostic categories before and after 2020. Significant differences were found between years in the subscale and total score analyses (Kruskal–Wallis, both p ≤ 0.049). Pairwise comparisons showed significant differences for the performance subgroup in 2021 vs. 2019 and 2018 (Mann–Whitney, both p ≤ 0.004), while in terms of the total score, there was a statistical difference in 2021 vs. 2018 (Mann–Whitney, p < 0.001). The distribution analysis indicated a significant difference between groups (Chi, p = 0.004), with participants from 2021 or later more likely to exhibit higher CISS scores (OR = 3.47, 95%CI 1.04–8.58). The present study shows significant temporal increments in symptomatic status related to CI among university students from 2018 to 2023, indicating a potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic educational landscape on these outcomes.

Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is characterized by the loss of ocular surface homeostasis with specific signs and symptoms. Studying the progression of a multifactorial disease is exceedingly challenging for researchers because several factors can influence it. The present study aims to study changes in tear meniscus height (TMH), lipid layer pattern (LLP), and bulbar hyperemia over time in untreated DED participants. Methods: This retrospective longitudinal study included 73 participants (146 eyes) diagnosed with DED since at least 2013. Participants underwent new examinations between 2021 and 2023, grouped by 8-, 6-, or 4-year follow-up periods. TMH, LLP, and bulbar hyperemia were assessed in both examinations. No participant received pharmacological treatment for DED. Results: Differences in TMH, bulbar hyperemia, and LLP between sessions were obtained in the 8-year group (p ≤ 0.027). Differences in bulbar hyperemia and LLP between sessions were obtained in the 6-year group (p ≤ 0.022). The only differences in LLP between sessions were obtained in the 4-year group (p < 0.005). Conclusion: Changes in TMH were obtained after periods of eight years from the first eye examination. Also, changes in bulbar hyperemia were obtained at periods of 8 and 6 years; however, changes in LLP could be found from 4-year follow-ups.

Myopia is a refractive error widely spread throughout the world, usually related to excessive axial length (AL) of the eye. This elongation could have severe consequences, even leading to blindness. However, AL varies among subjects, and it may be correlated with other anthropometric parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between AL, body height, refractive error, and sex. A total of 72 eyes of 36 myopic participants with a mean age of 11.1 ± 1.42 years (ranging from 8 to 14 years) were included in the study. Participants underwent objective refraction by NVision-K5001, AL measurement by Topcon MYAH biometer, and body height measurement. Significant correlations were observed between AL, body height, and spherical equivalent (SE) (Spearman’s correlation, all p ≤ 0.016). When participants were grouped by AL, significant differences were observed for body height and SE, and when grouped by height percentile, significant differences were observed for AL and SE (Kruskal–Wallis test, all p ≤ 0.006). There was a significant difference in SE, AL, and body height between genders (Mann–Whitney U test, all p ≤ 0.038). AL relates to the refractive state of the eye and is also influenced by individual anatomical characteristics.