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

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to observe pattern of digital device use and the various ocular, visual and systemic symptoms associated with them during the lockdown period of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-three volunteers were included in web-based open e-survey. The survey was designed on the ‘Survey Monkey’ website and distributed through social media platform. The information was collected regarding hours and numbers of digital devices along with numbers of digital activities carried out during the pandemic. A pretested symptom questionnaire was also included regarding ocular, visual and systemic symptoms before and during lockdown. The statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package of Social Science software. Results: During the pandemic, most of the respondents were engaged in more than two digital activities (73.81%) over more than two digital devices (48.50%) for more than six days (65.66%). Maximum respondents were mobile users (97.85%) spending major time on social media (89.70%). Symptoms including watering eyes ( P = 0.000), dry eyes ( P = 0.000), shoulder pain ( P = 0.020), back pain ( P = 0.003) and headache ( P = 0.043) showed positive correlation with hours of digital device use per day during lockdown, while itching eyes ( P = 0.036) and pain behind eyes ( P = 0.025) were the major symptoms in those engaged in a greater number of digital activities. Moreover, red eyes ( P = 0.040) were more prominent in respondents using multiple devices for a greater number of hours. Conclusion: A big jump in digital activities on multiple digital devices was seen during lockdown which are more prone to ocular symptoms. Acceleration of ocular and systemic symptoms was particular with rise in time spending on digital devices.

Social Media Addiction and Emotions During the Disaster Recovery Period? – The Moderating Role of Post-COVID Timing

“…Another study among social media users observed a number of physical, psychological and behavioral issues. Frequently seen physical problems included a strain on eyes, neck pain, back pain, headache, watering of eyes, wrist and shoulder pain, which were consistent with other studies [63]. However, some exogenous variables were also considered to see if any external factors influence the association between Internet addiction and physical issues in this study.…”

Internet Use Impact on Physical Health during COVID-19 Lockdown in Bangladesh: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study

“…Demographic variables (Table 1 for an overview and details) used for the study analyses were based on previous studies [14][15][16]. Demographic variables included demographic characteristics (i.e., gender, age [categorized as 18-27, 28-37, 38 years and over], marital status [single, married, divorced/widowed], mothers level of education [higher education, bachelor, intermediate], place of residence, employment status [employed, unemployed/student], occupation [healthcare and non-healthcare worker], and income in Taka [lower, middle and high-income earners].…”

The impact of COVID-19 on soft contact lens wear in established European and US markets

“…The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the optical industry has largely manifested itself through negative economic effects; delayed diagnoses and treatments for patients; and a reported increase in conditions such as ‘quarantine myopia’, digital eye strain, and Mask Associated Dry Eye (MADE) [1] , [2] , [3] , [4] . Such challenges have also provided the impetus for change, embodied by the rapid development of new care pathways [5] , [6] , [7] , a willingness to embrace telehealth [8] , [9] , [10] , [11] , and the adaptable response demonstrated by professional regulatory bodies.…”