To study the effects of online teaching on eyes of school going children during COVID pandemic

Abstract

During COVID pandemic, with schools being closed, digital platforms are being extensively used for online teaching and learning. Children are being exposed to video display units (VDU) for prolonged durations making them susceptible to ocular problems and development of the Computer Vision Syndrome. Through this study, we attempted to study the effect of this added use of VDUs through online teaching on eyes of school going children. A Google survey of 18 questions was prepared assessing the pattern of online teaching sessions, type of devices used, use of protective accessories and presence of ocular symptoms. The form was floated on social platforms for parents of school going children. Data was collected and analysed using Microsoft Excel and percentage and p value calculated using chi square test. Out of 982 children, 494 (50.3%) had one or more ocular symptoms. Headache was found in 205(41.49%), excessive rubbing of eyes in 178 (36.03%), pain in 155 (31.37%), redness in 135 (27.32%), watering in 132 (26.72%), blurring of vision in 67 (13.56%) and changes in glass prescription in 42 (8.50%) children. We found total duration of online class and continuous use of VDUs to be statistically significant influencing factors. Online teaching learning should be cautiously conducted as the use of VDUs can affect the ocular health of the children.