RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Protecting the Eyes of Gamers With Lubricating Eyedrops

Do you spend a lot of time gaming or looking at screens and get dry eyes? This study is looking into whether a specific type of eye drop, called TheaLoz Duo, can help. Many people who game or use digital devices a lot can suffer from dry patches on the surface of their eyes, which can be uncomfortable. We know that reducing screen time isn't always possible, so we want to see if these eye drops could offer a solution. We're hoping to find out if TheaLoz Duo can protect the eyes and reduce dry eye symptoms for people who play on handheld consoles and computers. The results could help improve eye care for gamers worldwide.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Aston University

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

30 Dec 2026

Dry Eye Syndromes Computer Vision Syndrome

What is this study about?

Many of us, especially gamers, spend a lot of time looking at screens. This can sometimes lead to uncomfortable, dry eyes. When we concentrate on screens, we often blink less, which can make the surface of our eyes feel dry and irritated. This problem is sometimes called 'Computer Vision Syndrome' or 'Dry Eye Syndrome'. While some people try to cut down on screen time, this isn't always easy or practical in today's world, especially with how popular gaming has become.

This study aims to find out if a specific type of eye drop, called TheaLoz Duo, can help protect the eyes of people who game regularly. We want to see if these drops can stop the eye surface from drying out and make people's dry eye symptoms better. There isn't much information out there yet about how well these kinds of eye drops work specifically for gamers, so this research is really important.

By taking part, you would be helping us learn more about how to look after the eyes of gamers and others who use screens a lot. The information we gather from this study could lead to better ways of caring for a growing number of people around the world who experience dry eyes due to digital device use.

Key takeaways

Study aims to test TheaLoz Duo eye drops for dry eyes in gamers.
Participation involves 3 short visits over 2 months in Birmingham.
You will use eye drops for one month and no drops for another, in a random order.
This research could improve eye care for people who use screens a lot.
You must be 18+ and a regular gamer experiencing dry eye symptoms to join.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. We're looking for men and women who regularly play on handheld consoles or computers for two hours or more every day. It's also important that you experience some symptoms of dry eyes, which we'll check using a short questionnaire.

You should be comfortable using smartphone apps and be able to put eye drops in your own eyes. You'll also need to be able to come to our clinic in Birmingham for three appointments over two months and understand information in English.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, have had eye surgery, an eye injury, or an eye infection in the last six months. Also, if you're already using other eye drops (prescription or lubricating), you'd need to stop them for one week before starting our study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you play console or computer games for 2 or more hours every day?
Do your eyes feel dry, gritty, or uncomfortable (dry eye symptoms)?
Are you able to put eye drops in your own eyes?
Can you attend 3 appointments over 2 months in Birmingham?
Are you currently not pregnant and haven't had recent eye surgery or infection?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, we'll ask you to visit the Aston Dry Eye Clinic in Birmingham three times over two months. Each visit will be about one month apart. At these visits, we will gently check the front of your eyes.

During the study, you'll use either the TheaLoz Duo eye drops for one month, followed by a month without any drops, or you'll do it the other way around. You won't know which order you're getting them in, and neither will the person checking your eyes. This helps us get the most accurate results. We'll give you all the eye drops you need, and we'll ask you to return the empty bottles at the end of the study. The total duration of your active participation, including all visits and using the drops, will be two months.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is that you might find your dry eye symptoms improve through using the study eye drops. You will also contribute valuable information that could help many other gamers and screen users in the future. As for risks, TheaLoz Duo is a commonly used lubricating eye drop, and serious side effects are rare. However, as with any eye drop, some people might experience mild irritation. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

School of Optometry, Aston University
Verified postcode
Birmingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'dry eye' and why does gaming cause it?

Dry eye is when your eyes don't make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, making your eyes feel gritty, itchy, or blurry. Gaming can cause it because we tend to blink less when we concentrate on screens, which means our eyes don't get lubricated as often.

What are TheaLoz Duo eye drops?

TheaLoz Duo is a type of eye drop designed to lubricate and protect the surface of your eyes, helping to relieve dryness and discomfort.

How long will I be in the study?

You'll be in the study for a total of two months, which will include three visits to the clinic.

Will I know if I'm getting the eye drops or not?

No, you won't know whether you're using the eye drops or not during each month. This is a common and important way to make sure the study results are fair and accurate.

Where is the study taking place?

All your appointments will be at the Aston Dry Eye Clinic, located at Aston University in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

How to find out more

James S Wolffsohn, PhD

dryeye@aston.ac.uk +441212044400 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.