Relationship between Digital/Led Device use and Ocular Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study in Secondary School Girl Students

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Use of LED based devices is increasingsubstantially in recent years, however, these devices couldhave an adverse effect on ocular health. Study aimed toevaluate the relationship between direct exposure to LED andocular symptoms.Material and Methods: The data was collected from secondaryschool students studying in a girls’ college at Bareilly duringan eye camp organized by Muskaan Foundation. Only girlshaving known intact vision (BCVA 6-6/6-9) were enrolledin the study. A total of 536 girls were enrolled in the study.Average daily direct exposure <3-4 hours was categorized asunexposed while those having >3-4 hours daytime or 1-2 hrsor more night time exposure were categorized as exposed. Theexposed girls were divided into day exposed and night exposedrespectively. Ocular symptoms were noted. Chi-square testand ANOVA were calculated using SPSS 21.0 software.Results: Mean age of girls was 17.02±1.42 (Range 15-19)years. A total of 298 (55.5%) had direct exposure to LED.Prevalence of ocular symptoms like headache, pain in eyes,blurring, floaters, burning sensation and eye fatigue was34.3%, 34.1%, 26.3%, 24.3%, 41.6% and 39% respectively.Total No. of symptomatic girls was 387 (72.2%) A significantincrease in ocular symptoms was observed from unexposed todaytime and to night exposed girls (p<0.001). Mean numberof total symptoms also showed a significant increasing trendfrom unexposed to nighttime exposure (p<0.001).Conclusion: Direct LED light exposure for a substantialperiod, particularly during night time is detrimental to ocularhealth.