Online Learning-Related Visual Function Impairment During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study aimed to review the consequences of increased online learning, which was precipitated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), on visual function, as well as the methods for preventing the associated visual impairment. The recent finding implies that a higher incidence of myopia may be observed during the pandemic than that before. The myopia prevalence was 59.35% in COVID-19, which was higher than that in the normal period. COVID-19-related influence of developing myopia among students should be addressed and under control. Online learning precipitated by COVID-19 is likely to increase the global burden of visual function impairment. This review highlighted useful measures to prevent online learning-related visual function impairments, including the following: (1) desktop illumination of no >300 lx, online learning time for primary, and middle-school students of no more than 20–30 min per session; (2) daily video time for preschool children not exceeding 1 h, and for school-age children and adolescents not exceeding 2 h; (3) after every 30–40 min of online learning, moving eyes away from the screen or closed for 10 min; (4) engaging in outdoor activities for ≥ 2 h a day; (5) suitable screen and learning environment settings and correct postures for reading and writing; (6) sufficient sleep and proper nutrition. Preventing online learning-related visual impairment during and after this unprecedented pandemic will facilitate future ophthalmic practice.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, online-learning on the state of visual system and psychological state of students

“…The study of the myopia values presented in our group of respondents (4.35 ± 1.7 diopters) confirms the worldwide trend in the phenomenon of myopia that the most common forms of this refractive error are its low and moderate degree [13]. There has already been an increase in the myopia of schoolchildren and students during COVID-19 lockdown [14,15], indicating the seriousness of the problem.…”

Digital Eye Strain- A Comprehensive Review

“…The current assessment protocols for DES include aspects of understanding the visual symptoms in detail using a structured inventory, understanding task-specific visual demands, ergonomic concerns and considerations, comprehensive eye examination, refractive correction, binocular vision assessment, ocular surface assessment for dry eyes, and management based on the outcomes of the assessment [86][87][88].…”

Effects of remote learning during the COVID-19 lockdown on children’s visual health: a systematic review

“…These factors can enhance the risk of visual impairments, especially among school and university students encouraged to adopt a digital learning approach 3. A growing dependence on e-learning and electronic devices has increased the incidence of visual fatigue, the onset and progression of myopia, dry eye, irregular astigmatism and acute concomitant esotropia among other ocular pathologies 4…”

“…During the COVID-19 lockdown, the increased need for electronic devices, digital screens and virtual classrooms might have caused previously healthy students to develop myopia, and faster progression in those who already had impaired vision. Obligatory confinement, intensive near work activities and decreased exposure to sunlight can lead to visual fatigue, and may also enhance the risk of myopia, the most prevalent ocular condition 4…”

“… 3 A growing dependence on e-learning and electronic devices has increased the incidence of visual fatigue, the onset and progression of myopia, dry eye, irregular astigmatism and acute concomitant esotropia among other ocular pathologies. 4 …”