Digital Eye Strain Research Articles

Digital Eye Strain: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Among University Students

Digital Eye Strain: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Among University Students

Impact of online classes on eye health of children and young adults in the setting of COVID-19 pandemic: A hospital-based survey.

To analyze the impact of online classes on eye health of children and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. An observational study with a written questionnaire and comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation at a tertiary eye care center in South India, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 496 patients, most were 5-10 years old, attending online classes 1-2 h/day with majority (84.7%) having <4 h of classes. Electronic gadget use after classes was seen in 95.6% participants and 28.6% admitted to using it for more than 2 h/day. Digital eye strain (DES) was seen in 50.8% of patients of which headache or eye ache were the most common symptom (30.8%). Duration of online class was found to be the single most independent factor associated with the development of eye complaints (P = 0.001). Duration of class hours (P = 0.007) and light setting (P = 0.008) was found to be independent determinants of developing DES. Increased screen time, inadequate light setting, and excessive application of near vision can produce undesirable effects including the development of DES, worsening or development of new refractive errors and squint.

COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME: EPIDEMIC AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS IN BULGARIA

PURPOSE: The aim of оur research is to assess the impact of monitor use and computer learning process on the visual comfort and ocular health of students from Medical Universities in Bulgaria. METHODS: 219 students participated in the study. They were interviewed anonymously in January 2023, through an online survey. Questions concern students’ ocular and visual comfort during the proсess of self-preparation for exams during session. RESULTS: Тhe survey results indicate that digital learning increases screen time at potentially dangerous for eye health levels. The most common complaints among students are eye fatigue (83.1%), tearing (58.9%), dry eyes (58.4%), blurred vision (40.2%), photophobia (37.4%), and itchiness (34.7%). Results show that 32% of respondents spent 1-2 hours working on a computer without a break; 57.1% reported that they work for more than 2 hours, and only 3.7% spent less than 20 min before taking a break. CONCLUSIONS: It was noted that eye fatigue and visual discomfort among medical students were negatively affected by the monitor learning during the session. Increased screen time causes digital eye strain, which impairs life quality and is a socially significant phenomenon.

Effect of Awareness Strategy on Prevention of Digital Eye Strain among Nursing Students in COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Effect of Awareness Strategy on Prevention of Digital Eye Strain among Nursing Students in COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Effect of Awareness Strategy on Prevention of Digital Eye Strain among Nursing Students in COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Effect of Awareness Strategy on Prevention of Digital Eye Strain among Nursing Students in COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Common eye illness health literacy rate in the rural population of Punjab

Background: A patient’s health literacy is fundamental for navigating the health system and managing disease. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and perception of prevalent eye diseases among the rural population of Punjab. Aim: To promote health education in order to improve health literacy and eliminate preventable and treatable blindness. Methodology: The subject&#39;s records were collected from the camp side at the community. Patients under the age of 18 were excluded from the study. In addition, unwilling participants and transient residents are eliminated from the study. The subject&#39;s age, gender, and other demographic information were collected at the campsite. This study included 251 individuals, 124 of whom were male and 126 of whom were female. 90 participants were illiterate, compared to 161 who were literate. They ranged in age from 20 to 85. Result: Cataract awareness was 217, while glaucoma awareness was 208. 216 respondents were aware that diabetes and hypertension might cause eye difficulties. 178 individuals were able to cure minor eye conditions at home. 168 individuals were prescribed near/far vision glasses. 218 respondents were aware that children aged 1 to 2 years require an eye screening. 187 individuals believe that mobile phones and computers can cause eye problems, whereas 199 are aware of digital eye strain. Conclusion: The present study concludes that the majority of participants in this survey were aware of prevalent eye disorders and their causes; therefore, there is a need for ocular healthcare to focus on weaker areas of knowledge through intervention.

Digital Eye Strain (DES) among children attending online classes during COVID-19 pandemic in Al-Madinah region, Saudi Arabia

Digital Eye Strain (DES) among children attending online classes during COVID-19 pandemic in Al-Madinah region, Saudi Arabia

Assessment Of Digital Eye Strain With The Digital Eye Strain Scoring Index (Dessi)

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess digital eye strain (DES) with the help of the digital eye strain scoring index (DESSI) in the urban population. Methods: The subjects were carefully selected with no ocular or systemic problems that may alter the study results and prior written consent was obtained. This study is divided into two phases. Phase 1 consists of reliability testing with Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest reliability while phase 2 consists of validity testing with internal validity, sensitivity and specificity. In phase 1 there were two visits, a baseline visit and a retest visit with 24 hours gap. DESSI was implemented on both visits. Phase 2 had two visits on the same day called the pre-task visit and post-task visit separated by one-hour task performance. Pre and post-task assessments were compared for all variables in the DESSI. The smartphone addiction scale (SAS) assessment and disability index (DI) was correlated with the no. of hours of smartphone use. The sensitivity and specificity were also assessed. Results: In phase 1, Cronbach’s alpha value was 0.82 and the co-relation coefficient was found to be acceptable to excellent whereas, in phase 2, the paired sample t-test showed statistically significant differences for all the tests compared. The SAS and DI correlation with the no. of hours of smartphone use was found to be good. The sensitivity and specificity of DESSI were fair, scoring 51% and 53% respectively. Conclusion: The digital eye strain is a useful tool for clinicians who can accurately analyze digital eye strain with acceptable to excellent test–retest reliability, internal consistency, good validity, fair sensitivity, and specificity.

Digital Eye strain among Undergraduate Medical students of Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital during COVID-19 Pandemic

During Covid-19 Pandemic, there was declaration of lockdown which led to increased usage of digital devices due to starting of online classes. Increased duration of digital device usage predisposed students to Digital eye strain (DES). This study aimed at estimation of the prevalence of DES among medical students of Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital during Covid pandemic. It also analyzed the pattern of digital device usage, risk factors for DES, awareness and practice of preventive measures taken by students during online classes. This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey which included one hundred and sixteen undergraduate medical students. The mean age of the students was 22±1.30 years. Sixty-two students (53.4%) were male and fifty-four (46.6%) were female. There was a significant increase in the duration of digital device usage during Covid -period as compared to pre-Covid period (P=&lt;0.001). The prevalence of the DES was 68.1% of which 60.34% had mild DES and 7.76% had moderate DES. The most common ocular symptoms were burning sensation (69.8%) followed by eyesight worsening (60.3%) and eyepain (56%). This study didn’t find significant association between DES and its risk factors like duration of digital device usage, distance from screen, posture, frequency of break and level of screen during online classes. Preventive measures like uses of lubricating eyedrop and use of anti-reflective coated glasses/ blue ray cut glasses were significantly associated with less frequency of DES (P=0.03,0.01 respectively). DES is an emerging eye health problem due to increase screentime exposure, so limitation of screentime and practice of 20-20-20 rule is recommended to reduce DES related symptoms.

20-20-20 Rule: Are These Numbers Justified?

The use of digital devices has increased substantially in recent years across all age groups for both vocational and avocational purposes. There are a wide range of proposed therapeutic and management options for this condition, including optical, medical, and ergonomic interventions. Regular breaks are frequently recommended by clinicians to minimize digital eye strain. The so-called 20-20-20 rule, whereby individuals are advised to fixate on an object at least 20 feet (6 m) away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes is widely cited. Unfortunately, there is relatively little peer-reviewed evidence to support this rule. The aim of this investigation was to determine whether scheduled breaks are effective in reducing the adverse effects of digital device usage. The study was carried out on 30 young subjects who performed a 40-minute, cognitively demanding reading task from a tablet computer. The task required them to read random words and to identify which ones began with a specific letter chosen by the experimenter. The task was undertaken on four separate occasions, with 20-second breaks being allowed every 5, 10, 20, or 40 minutes (i.e., no break), respectively. Both before and after each trial, subjects completed a questionnaire regarding ocular and visual symptoms experienced during the session. In addition, both reading speed and task accuracy were quantified during each trial. A significant increase in post-task symptoms (with respective to the pre-task value) was observed for all four trials ( P < .001). However, there was no significant effect of scheduled breaks on reported symptoms ( P = .70), reading speed ( P = .93), or task accuracy ( P = .55). Although widely cited as a treatment option, these results do not support the proposal of using 20-second scheduled breaks as a therapeutic intervention for digital eye strain.

Risk factor assessment of digital eye strain during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey.

Shifting to online learning during the coronavirus pandemic has increased the number of individuals symptomatic of digital eye strain (DES). This study aimed to determine the frequency and potential risk factors of DES among university staff members and students in this pandemic era. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted during the pandemic, in May and June 2020. The online questionnaire was designed to collect data on DES-related ocular and extraocular manifestations. The survey was sent via social media to the previous year's students and staff within the Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt. The responses were downloaded and analyzed. Of the 412 participants completing the questionnaire, 34 (8.3%) were university staff members with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 36.7 (6.6) years, and 378 (91.7%) were university students with a mean (SD) age of 20.8 (1.8) years. Participants with DES symptoms numbered 294 (71.4%) before the lockdown, increasing to 366 (88.8%) during the last month, with 84 developing new-onset DES. Most participants reported ocular symptoms associated with DES. After the lockdown, both students and staff had a significant prolongation of nighttime digital screen use and TV watching, an increase in the 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) severity scale scores, and anxiety and depression, with a reduced duration of daytime reading (all P < 0.05). Students had a significant prolongation of daytime digital screen use and TV watching and an increase in the frequency of eye lubricant use and mean Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)-4 scores (all P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that studenthood and increased nighttime screen use were independent risk factors for DES by odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 10.60 (2.12 - 53.00) and 3.99 (1.71 - 9.34), respectively (both P < 0.05). Lockdown and closure of the university, with a shift to online learning, increased the exposure of staff and students to digital screens and the number of individuals with DES. Studenthood and prolonged nighttime digital screen use were independent risk factors for DES. Further studies investigating the prevalence and risk factors of DES, comparing similar data during and after the pandemic, may reveal other aspects of DES caused by virtual reality-based training.

Concurrent Rising of Dry Eye and Eye Strain Symptoms Among University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic Era: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Students spend extended hours using electronic devices due to online teaching. Digital eye strain (DES) and dry eye disease (DED) symptoms are both associated with prolonged screen exposure time and may co-occur. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between DES and DED symptoms and determine the prevalence of DED according to the severity of DES. This cross-sectional study was conducted among international students in Chinese universities. The survey was built using Wenjuan Mini Program and distributed using the WeChat platform. The questionnaire assessed participants' screen exposure, the 20-20-20 rule, ED practices, and DED awareness. Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) and Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5) were used to diagnose DES and DED symptoms, respectively. 498 students completed the survey, but 452 were considered for the study. Predictors of DES and DED symptoms were conjunctivitis, eye allergy, glares, tired eye, neck pain, back pain, PhD students, and daily spending > 9h on screen (P < 0.05 for all). We observed that an increase in DES scores also exponentially increases DED scores. Among students diagnosed with DES symptoms, 26.5% had mild to moderate DED symptoms, and 8.2% had severe DED symptoms. In contrast, only 8.4% and 0.9% of those with asymptomatic DES had mild to moderate and severe DED symptoms, respectively (P < 0.000). A strong and significant positive correlation (r = 0.695, P < 0.000) between DES and DED scores was found. We found an extremely high prevalence of DES and DED symptoms compared to the previous studies with a similar population group. We believe that the prevalence of DED may be underestimated in the young population. Training about proper ED practices is mandatory to prevent these deleterious ocular surface conditions.

Visual Impact of Digital Classroom among Students Attending Online Education.

COVID-19 outbreak has changed the traditional teaching method of using blackboards to digital devices assisted online classes. Spending long hours in front of digital devices might lead to different ocular problems in children. A cross-sectional study was conducted among school-going children attending digital online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. A web-based online form was used to evaluate the impact of digital classrooms on the visual status of school-going children. Children were selected from 5 randomly selected schools from different parts of Kathmandu Valley who had online classes for at least 2 hours during the COVID-19 pandemic era. A total of 303 usable responses were obtained from a response rate of 41% with an average age of 10 years. Sixty-four percent of children had online classes up to 6 hours a day and 44% used laptops for online classes followed by smartphones (38%). The most common symptom was headache affecting 39.3% of the children, followed by difficulty seeing bright light (35%) and itching of the eyes (35%). Forty percent of the children felt that their eyes were affected after online class. Multivariate analysis showed that the total duration spent on digital devices was the greatest risk factor associated with the ocular symptoms. Ocular symptoms and digital eye strain related to the excessive use of digital devices have increased due to the increased duration of online classes. Awareness about the prevention and measures to reduce the adverse effects should be stressed.

Analysis of IoT-Related Ergonomics-Based Healthcare Issues Using Analytic Hierarchy Process Methodology.

The objective of the present work is for assessing ergonomics-based IoT (Internet of Things) related healthcare issues with the use of a popular multi-criteria decision-making technique named the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) is a technique that combines alternative performance across numerous contradicting, qualitative, and/or quantitative criteria, resulting in a solution requiring a consensus. The AHP is a flexible strategy for organizing and simplifying complex MCDM concerns by disassembling a compound decision problem into an ordered array of relational decision components (evaluation criteria, sub-criteria, and substitutions). A total of twelve IoT-related ergonomics-based healthcare issues have been recognized as Lumbago (lower backache), Cervicalgia (neck ache), shoulder pain; digital eye strain, hearing impairment, carpal tunnel syndrome; distress, exhaustion, depression; obesity, high blood pressure, hyperglycemia. "Distress" has proven itself the most critical IoT-related ergonomics-based healthcare issue, followed by obesity, depression, and exhaustion. These IoT-related ergonomics-based healthcare issues in four categories (excruciating issues, eye-ear-nerve issues, psychosocial issues, and persistent issues) have been compared and ranked. Based on calculated mathematical values, "psychosocial issues" have been ranked in the first position followed by "persistent issues" and "eye-ear-nerve issues". In several industrial systems, the results may be of vital importance for increasing the efficiency of human force, particularly a human-computer interface for prolonged hours.

Effect of long-term exposure of digital devices during the COVID-19 pandemic and on ocular health

The study aims to compare the effect of long-term exposure to digital devices during covid-19 and before the lockdown. To assess the impact of the lockdown on digital device usage &amp; consequently, the ocularsurface health implication related to digital eye strain. An open online survey was distributed to people via social media platforms (email, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, and so on). Females participated more than males, with 58.3%. With 30.76%, the &amp;#62;50 age group was found to participate, and at 13-31 years of age, participation was found to be more with 60%. Most individuals use digital devices for education with 44.2%. Before the lockdown, the duration of digital device usage is not there between 4 to 6 hours, but during the lockdown, it has been increased by 35% due to working from home. 76.3% of participants feel restless due to prolonged use of digital devices. It was discovered that before the lockdown the duration of digital device usage is not there between 4 to 6 hrs but during the lockdown, due to working from home it has increased and headache as an asymptomatic symptom is noticed more during prolonged use of digital devices in lockdown.

Can Nutrition Play a Role in Ameliorating Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain is a complex, multifactorial condition that can be caused by excessive screen time exposure to various electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and computers. Current literature suggests oxidative damage concomitant with a chronic pro-inflammatory state represent significant etiopathogenic mechanisms. The present review aims to discuss the potential dietary role for micronutrients with nutraceutical properties to ameliorate various ocular and vision-related symptoms associated with digital eye strain. For ocular surface dysfunction, enhanced anti-inflammatory benefits with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been well documented for treatment of dry eye disease. The anti-oxidative and immunosuppressive properties of anthocyanin phytochemicals may also confer protective effects against visually induced cognitive stress and digital asthenopia. Meanwhile, nutraceutical strategies involving xanthophyll macular carotenoids demonstrate enhanced cognitive functioning and overall visual performance that aids digital eye strain. Collectively, preliminary findings seem to offer a strong line of evidence to substantiate the need for additional randomized controlled trials aimed at treating digital eye strain with adjunctive nutraceutical strategies. Further RCT and comparisons on commercially available nutritional supplements are needed to quantify the clinical benefits.

A case study of digital eye strain in a university student population during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa: evidence of an emerging public health issue

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a nationwide lockdown in South Africa, initiating a shift in society’s interaction to the online space. Students therefore became reliant on electronic devices for learning.ObjectiveThe study aimed to investigate the prevalence of digital eye strain (DES) in a university student population during the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa.MethodsRandomly sampled 290 university students were surveyed online about their screen time and DES during lockdown. The survey included a validated screen time questionnaire to measure screen time in hours per day and a validated computer vision syndrome questionnaire (CVS-Q) to measure the frequency and intensity of symptoms during edevice use (s). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze CVS-Q scores and screen time.ResultsThe mean (SD) age of the sample was 21.04 _ 2.32 years. Of these, 82.41% used smartphone devices and 55.52% of the participants did not use any optical correction. The prevalence of DES during COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 was 64.24%. Screen time on an average weekday and over the weekend, as a primary activity, had a median of 13 hours per day during lockdown.ConclusionThe high prevalence of digital eye strain may be a harbinger of a decrease in student performance. Creating awareness of proper visual hygiene amongst students is paramount in decreasing the high prevalence of DES.

Correction of Presbyopia Alone Does Not Adequately Protect against Digital Eye Strain from Handheld Devices

The use of screen-enabled handheld devices has increased exponentially during the last few years among the older adults. Up until now, a general suggestion for preventing symptoms of digital eye strain with large screen use was to address any existing refractive error, including presbyopia. It is unclear whether this advice is of consequence in the case of smaller handheld devices. The aim of this study was to examine whether correcting presbyopia ameliorates the negative effect on digital screen use, examining handheld devices where these issues are expected to be more acute with presbyopic individuals. This is a cross-sectional study of 120 consecutive participants who had received correction for presbyopia during the past month and returned for a routine follow-up examination. The participants filled in a demographics questionnaire, questions on time spent online and using devices with digital screens, data on their eye complaints, and the validated Digital Eye Strain Questionnaire (DESQ). The DESQ factor scores and total score correlated with the near addition ( P < .001). Higher DESQ scores were associated (by order of magnitude) with higher near addition and a lower amount of time spent using a handheld screen-enabled device ( P < .001) while controlling for age and type of corrective lenses. Results indicate that older adults are at an additional disadvantage while using handheld screen-enabled devices compared with younger adults: they are more likely to be presbyopes and need higher near addition, yet increasing near addition does not guarantee greater comfort in the use of smartphones but rather increase the likelihood of experiencing digital eye strain symptoms.

To Assess the Prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome in Students of Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana

BACKGROUND&#x0D; Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) also referred to as Digital Eye Strain, describes a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet or cell phone usage. Ever since the advent of the COVID pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the amount of time spent in front of the screen, be it for online classes or working from home. We wanted to assess the prevalence of computer vision syndrome among medical, dental, nursing and physiotherapy students of Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana.&#x0D; METHODS&#x0D; This was a prospective study conducted for one month among students aged 18-22 years. A total of 75 students were randomly selected from the four colleges namely Christian Medical College, Christian Dental College, College of Physiotherapy and College of Nursing, Ludhiana. The questionnaire was filled and the responses were noted. The responses were then compared to the ocular surface disease index (OSDI). The students were divided into 4 groups namely No / Mild / Moderate and Severe disease. The students belonging to the groups mild, moderate and severe disease were sent to the Department of Ophthalmology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana for evaluation and further management of CVS.&#x0D; RESULTS&#x0D; The study showed that the prevalence of CVS was 48 %, 34.7 %, 12 % and 5.3 % for no disease, mild disease, moderate disease, and severe disease respectively.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS&#x0D; The prevalence of CVS in our study was found to be 52.0%.

Let There Be Light-Digital Eye Strain (DES) in Children as a Shadow Pandemic in the Era of COVID-19: A Mini Review.

IntroductionDigital eye strain, which is often ignored by the public, has emerged as a “Shadow Pandemic” in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.AimThe current paper is aimed at discussing the ill effect of digital screens on eyes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodologyA literature search was done using “PubMed,” “Google scholar”, and “Scopus” using key terms like “Digital Eye Strain,” “Eyestrain,” or “Computer Vision Syndrome.” Relevant articles were identified and included to support the argument for this narrative review.ResultsStudies conducted in the UK reported that 68% of children extensively use computers, while 54% undertake online activities after the age of 3. Similar studies estimated 4 h and 45 min per day of screen exposure time among adults in the UK. Indian studies reveal that the prevalence of DES is 69% in adults and 50% in children respectively. Indian ophthalmologists found that computer-using and specialized ophthalmologists were more informed of symptoms and diagnostic signs but were misinformed about treatment modalities. The use of social media and multitasking is particularly prominent among younger adults, with 87% of individuals aged 20–29 years reporting the use of two or more digital devices simultaneously. It has been observed that the use of computer glasses corrects refractive errors and helps in the reduction of symptoms, while precision spectral filters help in reducing symptoms of micro-fluctuation of accommodation.ConclusionWe concluded that DES is emerging globally as a “Shadow Pandemic” and it is high time to respond. Community ophthalmologists, public health authorities, and educational sectors especially should be involved to prevent this.