The Effect of Online Education on Healthy Eyes of Saudi Teachers in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Local Study

Abstract

Background Digital eye strain (DES) or computer vision syndrome (CVS) manifests as eye fatigue caused by prolonged exposure to screens and exaggerated by some attitudes. Online education plays a crucial role in helping schools, instructors, and universities ensure the continuity of the education process during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a lack of attention given to the effects of online teaching on teachers’ eyes health during the pandemic and is nearly nonexistent. Hence, we aim to evaluate this among teachers in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methodology A cross-sectional electronic self-administered questionnaire was distributed through social media applications among teachers in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The survey contained three main parts: biographical data, educational status, and eye health scale before and during the pandemic. All statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results A total sample of 301 teachers was identified with ages ranging from 22 to 60 years, the majority were female (75.4%). Twenty-four point nine percent (24.9%) of the sample have a chronic disease, and 17.3% had previous LASIK surgery. Twenty-four point nine percent (24.9%) spent two to five hours teaching before the pandemic versus 60.8% with online education during the pandemic spent two to five hours daily. Fifty-two point eight percent (52.8%) of the teachers kept the distance between them and the digital screen at less than 50 cm. Eighty-one point four percent (81.4%) of teachers reported severe to moderate effects of online teaching using a computer/tablet/phone on their eye health. Fifty-two point two percent (52.2%) reported headache. Conclusion There is an obvious negative effect reflected by subjects’ symptomatology and complaints in their eyes. This should prompt health authorities to provide better teaching equipment and accessibility to essential eye care to teachers.

Program Edukasi Penyuluhan dan Demonstrasi “Mata Sehat Remaja Hebat” bagi Siswa SMAN 1 Blahbatuh Gianyar untuk Mencegah Kelelahan Mata pada Remaja

“…Pada saat pandemi beberapa publikasi menunjukkan peningkatan kasus digital eye strain pada populasi umum termasuk pada anak-anak dan siswa akibat peningkatan penggunaan komputer atau ponsel cerdas per harinya. Selain itu jarak antara layar dengan mata yang cukup dekat serta adanya riwayat penyakit mata sebelumnya atau gangguan pada mata sebelumnya dapat menambah risiko terkena digital eye strain (Dossari et al, 2022).…”

“…Pembelajaran online sebagai solusi terbaik untuk pendidikan selama pandemi COVID-19 juga membawa dampak pada kesehatan mata berupa kelelahan mata atau Digital eye strain. Digital eye strain atau computer vision syndrome merupakan kelelahan mata yang muncul akibat terpapar layar monitor terlalu lama (Dossari et al, 2022). Jika seseorang menghabiskan waktu lebih dari 2 jam per hari di depan layar komputer maka akan beresiko mengalami sindrom ini.…”

“…Oleh karena itu akan menyebabkan mata kering hingga degenerasi macular seiring dengan penuaan. Kelelahan mata memiliki gejala yang beragam seperti ketidaknyamanan pada mata pandangan kabur nyeri kepala mata berair kemerahan mata kering kesulitan untuk fokus dan nyeri pada leher serta bahu (Dewi et al, 2021) (Dossari et al, 2022). Sindrom ini juga disebabkan akibat penurunan refleks berkedip saat berfokus pada layar yang dapat mengakibatkan kekeringan pada mata.…”

“…Sindrom ini juga disebabkan akibat penurunan refleks berkedip saat berfokus pada layar yang dapat mengakibatkan kekeringan pada mata. Selain itu durasi bekerja di depan layar, frekuensi istirahat, ketajaman atau kecerahan layar monitor, jarak dari layar monitor posisi duduk juga merupakan faktor risiko dari Digital eye strain (Dossari et al, 2022). Sindrom ini dapat mengganggu aktivitas sehingga perlu dilakukan edukasi secara massal kepada kelompok berisiko yaitu komunitas yang menggunakan perangkat digital dalam jangka waktu.…”

Analysis of the Outcomes of the Screen-Time Reduction in Computer Vision Syndrome: A Cohort Comparative Study

“… 7–12 , 14–19 , 22 , 30 , 35–39 Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the average daily students’ requirements of total screen-hours for online learning and augmented the need for the educational mandated computer system use program. 9 , 28 , 30 , 33 , 35–39 Thus, we require more awareness campaigns to increase students’ awareness of CVS hazards and protective measures. 9 , 22 , 29 , 31 , 34 , 36 …”