Novel method of remotely monitoring the face-device distance and face illuminance using mobile devices: a pilot study

Abstract

Specially developed software (app) was written for handheld electronic devices that uses the device camera and light detector for real-time monitoring of near-work distance and environmental lighting. A pilot study of this novel app employed children using tablet computers in a classroom. Measurements of face-device distance and face illuminance were obtained from two schools where tablets were used regularly. Children were divided randomly into a control group (CG) and intervention group (IG). The app was calibrated in a lab and configured to store average values every 20seconds in a remote database. In both groups, the app recorded data only when a child's face was present in the camera image. The app darkened the screen for the IG when the face-device distance was shorter than 40cm. The total mean face-device distance was 36.8 +/- 5.7cm in CG and 47.2 +/- 6.5cm in IG. Children in IG had to accommodate approximately 0.6D less when using their devices. The mean classroom face illuminance was 980 +/- 350lux in School #1 and 750 +/- 400lux in School #2. The novel method of remotely monitoring and controlling the face-device distance and illuminance can potentially open new paths for myopia prevention and myopia control.