AESSESSMENT OF LONG TERM EXPOSURE OF MOBILE PHONE SCREEN LIGHT ON VISUAL ACUITY: A CASE STUDY IN DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, ABRAKA NIGERIA

Abstract

Numerous ophthalmic conditions, including eyestrain, ocular discomfort, dry eye, diplopia, and blurry vision, have been linked to excessive smartphone use. Studies show that the light from smartphones may contribute to macular degeneration, one of the most common causes of vision loss. This study assessed the long term exposure of mobile phone screen light on visual acuity of students in Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. The study examined the impact of phone blue light exposure to visual acuity and also to investigate if body mass index (BMI) affects visual acuity of participants. The research was carried out at Delta State University's Physiology Laboratory in Abraka, Nigeria. A total of 100 participants (50 male and 50 female) were selected for the study. Visual acuity were conducted for participants for 10 and 30 minutes respectively and the obtained data were displayed as mean standard deviation. The IBM SPSS version 21.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and means were compared using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at p-levels less than 0.005, significance was acknowledged. The findings demonstrated that prolonged exposure to the blue light from mobile phones has a detrimental effect on vision in addition to having a considerable negative influence on visual acuity. Visual acuity was considerably impacted by an increase in BMI. Therefore, it is advised that smartphone users should take the necessary break to lessen eye strain. Additionally, appropriate recommendations for using cell phones should be made regarding the various symptoms brought on by visual fatigue from smartphones. More research needs to be done using an objective indicator and subjects of various ages.