The Effect of Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic on Digital Eye Strain Symptoms Among the General Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose: the study examined the effect of prolonged lockdown on the development and increased severity of digital eye strain (DES) symptoms among the general population. Methods: An online survey was conducted in March 2020 on social media platforms in Jordan. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to demographic characteristics, past medical and ocular history, frequency of using digital devices before and during lockdown, and the emergence and severity of DES symptoms.Results: Data from 1,460 responders were analyzed. About half of the respondents were between 30- 49 years, 28.4 % were retired, 21% had chronic systemic illness, and 23% reported chronic eye problems. A rise in the use of digital devices during lockdown was reported by 957 participants, with 33% of them used digital devices more than 4 hours a day. The most common symptoms before and during lockdown were neck and shoulder pain, which revealed the most significant association (X2 201.61, p 0.000). Female gender, existence of chronic eye problems and systemic diseases, and duration of using digital devices were found to be statistically significant factors associated with increasing severity of eye symptoms during lockdown. Regarding developing new eye complaints during the lockdown, only taking regular breaks was not significant (p 0.336). People with chronic eye problems and increased time using devices during lockdown developed new eye complaints three times more than before the lockdown and males were two times more likely than females to have more severe eye symptoms.Conclusion: The majority of the population developed new DES symptoms due to the lockdown. Public awareness of healthy practices and ergonomic use of digital devices is recommended.

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