Regime of using mobile electronic devices by students as a risk factor of vision impairment

Abstract

The adverse impact of electronic devices, including mobile ones (smartphones, tablets), on the organism of children, adolescents and youth has been highlighted by many studies. The study was aimed to assess the regime of using mobile electronic devices and its impact on the students’ vision. The data on the use of mobile electronic devices in educational and recreational activities by 1218 schoolchildren and students were acquired; their work-rest schedule when engaged with mobile electronic devices was characterized. A total of 943 schoolchildren and students were examined by ophthalmologist and with the use of the Armis hardware-software complex (Russia). A significant decrease in visual acuity (measured in diopters) and the increase in the rate of functional vision problems and chronic eye disorders in first-graders (p ≤ 0.05) compared to their age-mates of the past decade were observed. During the learning process, a significant decrease in visual acuity (p ≤ 0.05) in both eyes was observed starting from middle school, which persisted both in high school and during first years of the university. Students, who adhered to the work-rest schedule when engaged with mobile electronic devices, significantly less often (p ≤ 0.05) complained of health problems. A regression model (p ≤ 0.05) was constructed for the relationship between the students’ visual acuity (OD, OS, diopters) and their work-rest schedule when engaged with mobile electronic devices. When assessing the regime of using electronic devices, medical stidents found that the time of use in both educational and recreational activities should be strictly regulated. To prevent functional vision problems and chronic eye disorders, it is necessary to limit the time of using mobile electronic devices by students. According to scientific research, this would have a beneficial effect on the finctional state of the organism and prevent fatigue.