Online classes in Indian schools during COVID 19 pandemic- Effect on ocular health

Abstract

There is increased onscreen time and restricted outdoor activity of Indian school children during COVID19 pandemic lockdown. We investigated the effect of online classes on ocular health of school children and any associated risk factors. Online questionnaire-based survey using Google forms on students of class 5-12 of schools of Delhi. 488 responses were included in the study. Questions based on demographic characteristics, class, type of devices and pattern of usage for online classes, spectacle use, ocular symptoms suggestive of computer vision syndrome (headache, ocular pain, blurred vision, redness, itching and burning of eyes) were asked and responses noted. Student suffering from any ocular disease except refractive error were excluded. Excel spread sheet was used for data analysis. The prevalence of ocular symptoms and type of device used were expressed as percentage. With the CI of 95% the significance level was considered as P <0.05. The main outcome was symptoms of eyestrain arising due to online classes. 488 students from Class 5 to 12 responded (98.7% response rate). Mean age was 14years.Total prevalence of ocular symptoms was 64.34% (313 students, P< 0.0001). Smart phone was the commonest device used for online classes (78.27%). 247 out of 382 smartphone users (64.65%, P<0.0001) had ocular symptoms. 163 students who had refractive errors 61.9% of them had significant symptoms.Digitalization has helped in continuing school education during pandemic. However, it’s effect on ocular health of children is a major challenge. Reforms are needed in the school curriculum to minimize the exposure and long-term collateral impact of COVID-19.