An effectiveness study of a wearable device (Clouclip) intervention in unhealthy visual behaviors among school-age children

Abstract

Introduction: The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of an intervention for unhealthy visual behaviors of school-age children using a wearable device (Clouclip). Method: The design was a self-controlled prospective study. Clouclip, with the vibration alert disabled, was first applied to measure baseline near-work behaviors in the first week. The vibration alert was then enabled to signal unhealthy visual behaviors (near-work distance < 30 cm and >5 seconds, or near-work distance <60 cm for >45 minutes) for 3 weeks. Near-work behaviors were measured again at the first week and the first month after intervention, respectively. The changes in behaviors between the baseline and the first week and the first month after intervention were analyzed. Results: Sixty-seven subjects were eligible for this experiment (the mean age 10.45 ± 0.50 years, 34 boys). Children who logged sufficient wearing time (12.30 ± 0.18 hours on weekdays and 12.16 ± 0.23 hours on weekends) were included for analysis. The average daily near-work distance was significantly increased after the vibration intervention. The time ratio of near-work activity <30 cm to the total <60 cm and the frequency of continuous near-work (distance <60 cm and continuous time >30 minutes) were significantly decreased after the intervention. Although some of the effects were reversed with time following the intervention, some were observed to be maintained until the end of the observation period, and the improvement of the behaviors was more prominent in children who had a shorter near-work distance (<30 cm) at baseline. Conclusions: In conclusion, Clouclip can significantly modify near-work behaviors in school-age children and it can last a certain period of time. If these behaviors are causes of myopia development and progression, Clouclip might provide a strategy for managing myopia.

Validation of the Clouclip and utility in measuring viewing distance in adults

“…[33][34][35][36][37] Here, we investigate the utility of the Clouclip, a small, battery-powered clip-on sensor device capable of continuous measures of near viewing distance and ambient light level. 38 The Clouclip has been used in myopia related behavioural studies in children, [39][40][41][42][43][44] as well as in interventional studies, in which the device sends proximity alerts to the wearer when the reading distance is too close; 45,46 however, validation of the device has not yet been published. The goals of this study were to validate the range finding and light sensing capabilities of the Clouclip, and to assess the utility of the device for distance tracking during various near tasks in non-myopic and myopic adult subjects.…”

Development of a Spectacle Wear Monitor System: SpecsOn Monitor

“…Two very recent wearable objective measuring devices have become available. The Clouclip 32 , 33 objectively measures near-work distance and duration in the investigation and prevention of myopia progression. It provides vibration alerts if the near-work activity is too close or if the duration of near work exceeds acceptable time limits.…”

“…However, the total battery life and time required to fully charge the device is not stated in the reporting literature. 32 , 33 Having a rechargeable battery places a burden on parents to remember to recharge the device. An exposed recharge port also means the device is not water resistant, which would not be ideal for a preschool population.…”

Wearable Sensors for Measurement of Viewing Behavior, Light Exposure, and Sleep

“…The Clouclip is a small, battery-powered light sensor and range-finding device that was developed for use in myopia research [47]. The Clouclip is mounted to the temple of a spectacle frame [47][48][49][50]. Because the Clouclip is positioned at eye level, the measured illumination may be more representative of light reaching the eye compared to sensors worn on the arm or around the neck, such as the Actiwatch or HOBO light monitor [32,34,42].…”