Influence and Outcome of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Digital Eye Strain in Children

Abstract

Abstract: The term "digital eye strain" (DES) refers to a group of visual and ocular problems brought on by extended usage of digital electronic gadgets. Dry eyes, itchiness, a feeling of a foreign body, watering, blurred vision, and headaches are its hallmarks. Eye strain can also cause non-ocular symptoms such a stiff neck, generalised weariness, headaches, and backaches. In the years before COVID-19, a varying incidence of 5 to 65% has been recorded. Outdoor activities were limited for all age groups due to lockdown regulations during the pandemic, and digital learning took over for nearly two years. The prevalence of DES increased to 50–60% in children alone, but the symptoms also widened to encompass recently developed esotropia and vergence abnormalities. One of the most important eye health issues is myopia. Following proper ergonomics, such as reducing average daily screen time, frequent blinking, better lighting, minimising glare, taking regular breaks from the screen, occasionally shifting focus to a distant object, and adhering to the 20-20-20 rule can help manage DES. High-resolution screens, built-in antireflective coating, matte-finished glass, edge-to-edge displays, and image-smoothing visual effects are examples of innovations in this area. The recommendations for optimising digital screens, cutting-edge technology for spectacle lenses, and built-in filters to enhance visual comfort should be the focus of further research. Our understanding of how to approach DES from an etiological standpoint needs to change in order to investigate tailored remedies. The purpose of this review article is to understand the pathophysiology of various manifestations, risk factors that predispose to them, different types of treatment choices, as well as evolving trends in DES prevalence following COVID-19