Comparison of Prevalence Data about Digital Eye Strain (DES), Pre-Lockdown versus Post-Lockdown Period in India: A Systematic Review Study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this review study was to identify and synthesize evidence about the prevalence of digital eye strain (DES) before and after the lockdown period in India, the factor associated with it, and also create awareness or spread knowledge about the preventive measures for eye care from digital eye strain. Methodology: This systematic review was done in order to compare the available data of factors and prevalence of digital eye strain before and after the lockdown period. Studies, included in the review was targeted interventions towards the digital eye strain conducted before and after the lockdown period in Covid-19 era related to the current research objective. Results: Prevalence scores were recorded for comparative analysis. Fifteen studies out of 104 total studies that met the inclusion criteria had positive results. 36.9% (n=80) were using digital tasks >5 h in lockdown as compared to 1.8% (n =4) before lockdown in case of study-1, while in study-2, Typically, 93.6% of respondents reported an increase in their screen time since the lockdown was declared. Study-3 encompasses the prevalence of DES was 64.3% in pre-lockdown periods, while in case of study-4 among the 150 participants studied, the overall prevalence of DES (at least 1 symptom present) is 87.3%. Conclusion: This review provides evidence that Digital eye strain is a very common condition in this digital era, throughout this lockdown period, prevalence and uses of digital devices were increased. So, we should prevent from DES by utilizes the preventive measures resources and follows the few instructions/ guidelines throughout the uses of digital devices. Keywords: Digital eye strain (DES), Covid-19 pandemic, Lockdown, Asthenopia, Computer vision syndrome.