Population perceived eye strain due to digital devices usage during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the magnitude severity and determinants of eyestrain and the use of digital devices in a Saudi population during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.Methods: This web-based survey was conducted in September 2020 and enrolled only Saudi nationals 15 years or older. Data were collected on demographics, eye strain related symptoms, severity, and the use of optical aids during the COVID-19 lockdown. The frequency and severity of eye strain were calculated. A Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) score was graded as none/ mild moderate and severe, based on the sum of 15-eye strain related signs and symptoms. Correlation analysis was performed for determinants of CVS.Results: The study sample was comprised of 2,009 individuals with median age of 20 years. Among those who used digital devices for more than 6 hours daily, the main reasons for use were, work and social purposes among 68.4%, and 61% of respondents respectively. The prevalence of knowledge on CVS and the '20-20 rule for using digital devices' was 9.4% and 6.9 respectively. The most common symptoms of eye strain from digital device usage were, headache, burning, itching, tearing, and redness of eyes. Six hours of daily usage of digital devices was positively associated to the grade of eye strain severity during the COVID-19 lockdown (P<0.05)). Conclusion:The Saudi population experienced eye strain during COVID-19 lockdown due to excessive digital devices usage. Longer duration of digital device usage was associated to eye strain. Health care providers should educate the general population on measures to mitigate eye strain due to digital devices.

Digital Eye Strain as a Global Problem Related to the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…Other studies also confirm that increased time spent in front of a computer during the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with DES [2,3]. What is disturbing is that this problem also affected children who were attending online classes at that time [3].…”

“…A set of symptoms characterized by bothersome eye symptoms resulting from long-term use of various types of screens at a very short distance from the eyes is called Digital Eye Strain (DES). These include burning or pain in the eye, tearing, foreign body sensation and redness [1][2][3].…”

Computer Vision Syndrome: An Emerging Public Health Problem Amongst Secondary School Students in South East Nigeria in the Post-Pandemic Era

“…Few studies have targeted students in secondary school such as the one in Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and India. [13][14][15][16][17] In Africa and in Nigeria, such information is still scanty. This information will play a crucial role in regulating online learning and use of digital devices for secondary students with caution as it affects the overall wellbeing of a person.…”

Computer Vision Syndrome

“…Beside students, women were at higher risk for CVS during pandemic because they helped their children in virtual learning platforms [26]. Although the prevalence of CVS has shown an increasing pattern during COVID-19 pandemic, general population suffers from lack of knowledge about CVS, as well as its protective measures [28]. During pandemic, less than 10% of people are familiar with protective devices, protective guidelines for digital device use such as 20-20-20 rule, and even regular ophthalmological visits for optical correction [28].…”