J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2021 Sep;62(9):1252-1258. 10.3341/jkos.2021.62.9.1252.

Changes in Iridocorneal Angle Configuration and Intraocular Pressure during Smartphone Use under Room Light

• Lee ST
• Park SJ
• Kang YK
• Shin JP
• Kim DW
• Park DH

• KMID: 2520207
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2021.62.9.1252

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and iridocorneal angle (ICA) configuration during smartphone use under room light.
Methods
We included healthy adults aged 19-35 years with no ophthalmological abnormalities. All read text on a smartphone for 6 minutes under room light. IOP was measured via rebound tonometry at baseline and at 2, 4, and 6 minutes. ICA images were obtained via anterior segment optical coherence tomography after each IOP measurement. After 6 minutes, participants stopped reading text and rested for 2 minutes. IOP was then measured again.
Results
The IOP significantly increased at 2, 4, and 6 minutes of reading compared to baseline (p < 0.001) but recovered to baseline after 2 minutes of rest (p = 1.000). The anterior chamber depth decreased significantly, and the anterior chamber angle width increased after 6 minutes of smartphone reading (both p < 0.05).
Conclusions
IOP increased when reading smartphone text under room light but the ICA did not change. Prolonged smartphone reading is inappropriate for a patient at risk of glaucoma or glaucoma progression. Such patients should be cautioned.

Keyword

Accommodation, Anterior chamber, Intraocular pressure, Smart phone