Prevalence and risk factor assessment of digital eye strain among children using online e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine prevalence, symptoms frequency and associated risk factors of digital eye strain (DES) among children attending online classes during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The online electronic survey form was prepared on the Google app. Children/parents were asked to indicate the total duration of digital device use before and during COVID era. The symptoms of DES, its severity and frequency were recorded & measured with the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire. Results: Two hundred and sixty one parents responded to the questionnaire, of these 217 were complete. Mean age of children was 13 ± 2.45 years. Mean duration of digital device used during COVID era was 3.9 ± 1.9 h which is more than pre COVID era (1.9 ± 1.1 h, P = <0.0001). 36.9% (n = 80) were using digital devices >5 h in COVID era as compared to 1.8% (n = 4) before COVID era. The most common digital device used were smartphones (n = 134, 61.7%). One hundred and eight children (49.8%) were attending online classes for >2 h per day. Prevalence of DES in our cohort is 50.23% (109/217). Of these 26.3% were mild, 12.9% moderate and 11.1% of severe grade. Most common symptoms were itching and headache (n = 117, 53.9%). Multivariate analysis revealed age >14 years (P = 0.04), male gender (P = 0.0004), smartphone use (P = 0.003), use of device >5 h (P = 0.0007) and mobile games >1 h/day (P = 0.0001) as independent risk factors for DES in children. Conclusion: There is an increased prevalence of DES among children in COVID era. Parents should be considerate about duration, type and distance of digital device use to avoid DES symptoms in children.

Impact of the use of digital devices on eyes during the lockdown period of COVID-19 pandemic

“…[ 14 ] A remarkable increase in amount of digital device use from 3.9 ± 1.9 h to 5 or more hours was evident during lockdown among children as well as adults, respectively. [ 14 39 ] A similar pattern of digital device use was observed in our study with respondents spending more than 6 h on digital devices during lockdown as compared to pre-lockdown situation.…”

“…Although an increase prevalence of digital eye strain was noted in the pandemic era among children, it was fully subjective given by their parents. [ 39 ] Although adults above 18 showed a deterioration of their ocular health by involving themselves in multiple digital activities,[ 14 ] different types of digital devices were not taken into consideration. Also, there lack an evidence of musculoskeletal symptoms getting affected by digital device use along with the ocular symptoms which is of utmost importance.…”

Indian government E-learning initiatives in response to COVID-19 crisis: A case study on online learning in Indian higher education system

“…This will surely raise health issues for the digital device user. The most common health issue is the problem in the eyes (like watery eyes, weakness of the eyesight, tired eyes, etc) (Mohan et al, 2021 ). The size of the class also affects the quality and success of the online lecture (Toth & Montagna, 2002 ).…”

“…This will surely raise health issues for the digital device user. The most common health issue is the problem in the eyes (like watery eyes, weakness of the eyesight, tired eyes, etc) (Mohan et al, 2021 ).…”

Efficiency of Communication in Perceiving Online Learning

“…But the imagination and spontaneity of the teachers managed to animate this virtual space through all kinds of interactive activities and non-formal elements. Regarding health, online learning requires excessive use of one's eyes and participants may suffer from eye disorders [7].…”