A study on digital eye strain among patients attending at one of the tertiary care hospitals of Saurashtra region, Gujarat

Abstract

Digital Eye Strain (DES) is a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader and cell phone use. Majority of scientific literature available for DES has targeted only youth/young people, overlooking rest age-groups.Aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of DES and its various risk factors of digital device usage pattern and to correlate them statistically with clinical features. The study was conducted at medical college attached hospital in Amreli district, Gujarat, India during June – September 2020. Total 320 study participants were included in research. All patients attending ophthalmic OPD during study –period were screened for DES related symptoms and history of digital device usage. Information collected for socio-demographic profile, pattern of device usage and reported clinical features. Data were entered in MS Excel and analyzed through SPSS software. Majority of study participants (47.81%) belonged to 18-30 years’ age-group, 186(58.13%) were males. Major symptoms of DES reported were: Headache (77.81%) dry-eye (61.56%), Temporary Difficulty in gaze (51.25%), Red-eye (49.37%) and blurred vision (44.68%). Of total, 59.06% and 9.06% respectively used digital device for 4-6 hours and >6 hours per day. Approximate screen distance <50 cm. from eyes was preferred by 192(60%) participants. Bright contrast setting was preferred by majority (253, 79.05%). Taking break after 30 minutes of continuous usage was preferred by 84 (26.25%) participants. Role of age and gender was found statistically significant in occurrence of many of symptoms of DES. Approximate distance of digital device from eyes revealed significant association with burning, dry and red eyes, headache and temporary difficulty in gaze. Taking preferred break after 30 minutes of continuous usage of digital device, all clinical symptoms revealed significant association except double vision. Dry eyes, temporary difficulty in gaze and blurred vision revealed comparatively more risk with pattern optical aid usage.