Eye Sight - A Bull's Eye Target of COVID-19

Aim: To determine the effect of COVID-19 on eye sight due to increase screen time in undergraduate students of medical school. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Place and duration of study: This survey was carried out from October 2022 to December 2022 in Army Medical College Rawalpindi. Questionnaires were filled in person and also online-based platform was used to distribute the e-questionnaire, developed using the Google Form. The participants were asked to share the e-questionnaire with their friends using Facebook and Messenger. Method(s): Participants were selected for the study using non-probability consecutive sampling. College students of 20-25 years were included in the study. Sample size was 400 according to a study done internationally. Participants with comorbidities (cataract, glaucoma) were excluded from study. Participants having (trouble concentrating on things such as reading the newspaper, books or watching television) were included in the study. Digital eye strain was calculated using validated computer vision syndrome (CVS-Q) questionnaire to measure the symptoms such as eye fatigue, headache, blurred vision, double vision, itching eyes, dryness, tears, eye redness and pain, excessive blinking, feeling of a foreign body, burning or irritation, difficulty in focusing for near vision, feeling of sight worsening, and sensitivity to light. Qualitative data was analyzed using Chi square test. Results A total number of 470 responses were recorded, out of which 257 (54.7%) were males and 213(45.3%) were females. In our study, the most common symptom was headache, affecting 58.1% of the population before COVID 19 which has increased to 83.2% and the P value is less than 0.001.Theother symptoms which also showed P value less than 0.001 were blurred vision while using digital device, irritated or burning eyes, dry eyes and sensitivity to bright light. Conclusion The practical implication of the study is to create awareness among general population about COVID, that eye sight is Bull`s Target to be affected by it and simple preventing measures can be taken. The purpose of this study is to limelight the importance that during COVID 19 lockdown the excessive use of digital devices and their cons on the ocular health among future health care workers.Copyright © 2023 Lahore Medical And Dental College. All rights reserved.

Progress of medical undergraduates to an era of computer vision syndrome and insomnia as an aftermath of increased digitalization during covid-19 pandemic

Background: WHO declared COVID 19 as a global pandemic in March 2020. Lockdown and travel restrictions were imposed in most countries including India, to reduce the spread of SARS-COV-2 Virus and reduce mortality. Aftermath of this was that technology has become the only tool for people to interact, communicate and even to continue their responsibilities. Educational institutions including Medical colleges were closed globally, pedagogical innovations including technology and simulation based teaching were brought to the forefront during the current pandemic worldwide. This lead to excessive exposure to digital screen for any reason, be it for education or entertainment. Aim & Objective: To estimate the prevalence of computer vision syndrome and to identify whether medical undergraduates suffered from sleep disorder like insomnia during Covid -19 pandemic as well as to assess the relationship between insomnia and computer vision syndrome in these students. Method(s): Descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on medical undergraduates with Questionnaires based on Google form. The survey instruments were Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) to assess the frequency of (i) symptoms of computer vision syndrome/ digital eye strain, pattern of computer usage and (ii) Insomnia severity index questionnaire including the demographic details of the participants. Result(s): The study shows that e-learning by medical undergraduates during the COVID 19 pandemic has given rise to various side effects leading to deterioration of their health parameters. Most common effects were both ocular as well as non-ocular symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Even clinical insomnia of moderate severity was reported by 70% of the participants. Conclusion(s): Health issues related to excessive use of digital devices has become alarmingly high during COVID-19 pandemic. Preventive measures to reduce Computer vision syndrome associated symptoms and Insomnia should also be imparted to the students. There is also an urgent need to make an institutional policy involving all stakeholders to formulate effective strategies to prevent young generation from the detrimental health effects of excessive digitalization during the pandemic.Copyright © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

Asthenopia prevalence and vision impairment severity among students attending online classes in low-income areas of western China during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: This study explored the impact of online learning during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on asthenopia and vision impairment in students, with the aim of establishing a theoretical basis for preventive approaches to vision health. METHODS: This balanced panel study enrolled students from western rural China. Participant information was collected before and during the COVID-19 pandemic via questionnaires administered at local vision care centres, along with clinical assessments of visual acuity. Paired t tests and fixed-effects models were used to analyse pandemic-related differences in visual status. RESULTS: In total, 128 students were included (mean age before pandemic, 11.82 ± 1.46 years). The mean total screen time was 3.22 ± 2.90 hours per day during the pandemic, whereas it was 1.97 ± 1.90 hours per day in the pre-pandemic period (P<0.001). Asthenopia prevalence was 55% (71/128) during the pandemic, and the mean visual acuity was 0.81 ± 0.30 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution; these findings indicated increasing vision impairment, compared with the pre-pandemic period (both P<0.001). Notably, asthenopia prevalence increased by two- to three-fold, compared with the pre-pandemic period. An increase in screen time while learning was associated with an increase in asthenopia prevalence (P=0.034). CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, students spent more time on online classes, leading to worse visual acuity and vision health. Students in this study reported a significant increase in screen time, which was associated with increasing asthenopia prevalence and worse vision impairment. Further research is needed regarding the link between online classes and vision problems.

Dry eye symptoms and digital eyestrain - Emerging epidemics among university students due to online curriculum amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study.

Purpose: Increased screen time has been a major concern among the students who have adopted the online curriculum amid the pandemic. The study was conducted to shed light on the changing trends of symptoms pertaining to dry eye disease and digital eyestrain due to the online curriculum and its negative implications on the ocular health of students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students of Manipal Academy of Higher Education who are currently following the E-learning curriculum amid the COVID-19 pandemic the participants were surveyed using a pre-validated structured questionnaire. Results: The mean age of study participants was 23.33 ± 4.604 years. In total, 97.9% (321/352) of the respondents experienced at least three symptoms associated with the usage of digital devices. 88.1% of the participants were exposed to an average screen time of more than 4 hours per day. An increased number of hours of digital device usage was found to be associated with higher total symptom scores (P = 0.04). The total symptom scores were found to be considerably higher for those with continuous contact with the screen (P = 0.02). Headache (69.9%, n = 246) is the most commonly reported symptom followed by neck pain (65.3%, n = 230), tearing (44.6%, n = 157), eye pain (40.9%, n = 144), and burning sensation (40.1%, n = 141). Conclusion: This study highlights a tremendous increase in the prevalence of symptoms related to dry eye and digital eyestrain among students attending online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eye care professionals need to be aware of this emerging public health threat and the appropriate measures for its prevention.

A cross sectional study on students outlook on online education during COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: Education system has faced lot of challenges during this covid 19 pandemic to ensure proper delivery of education to the students. In spite of the toughest hurdles faced by the education system, it has managed to reach out to students with the digital approach. Though a totally different approach from the traditional teaching, student's apprehension towards the change should not be ignored. Objective(s): To assess students view on online classes during the COVID 19 pandemic. Material(s) and Method(s): Study design: Qualitative descriptive cross-sectional study. Study setting: Fr. Agnel college, Pillar. Study participants:12th std students (2020-2021). Study tool: An online questionnaire using Likert scale was administered to the students. Assent/consent was taken before start of the study. Data was be analysed using SPSS software version 22. Result(s): Among the students participated 53% of students faced network issues,52% agreed that online education limited their participation in extracurricular activities. Majority of them faced health issues like eye strain, headache and disturbed sleep.

Visual Fatigue and Technostress in AgroIndustries Standards: Case Study

Introduction: The test applied to the students of the Agroindustry career of the National University of Chimborazo presents previous visual diseases in: 33.3 % myopia, 5.1 % astigmatism, 0.5 % presbyopia, referring to the use of the computer we have: 54.9 % of 2 to 4 hours, 39 % of 4 to 8 hours and 6.2 % more than 8 hours which can cause visual fatigue. This research aims to determine the level of visual computer syndrome when applying the CVSS 17 test and technostress by applying the NTP 730 test. The reliability of the instruments is 0. 693 good and 0.959 mu and good, and the reliability of 0.916 and 0.931 which is very good respectively. The result of visual fatigue is 29.2% symptomatic and 70.8% asymptomatic. Regarding technostress, 55.4% is low, 35.9% is medium, and 8.7% is high. The conclusions are determined: the existence of visual fatigue determines the presence of ocular and visual symptoms which will cause short-term affections to the organ of sight and referring to technostress there is resistance to the use of technology. The presence of visual fatigue is associated with the tele study due to the high frequency of computer use and other environmental factors, theCovid 19 pandemic is one of the factors that has contributed to the phenomenon under study, so it is necessary to implement preventive measures.Copyright © 2023, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

Advance Eye wear with warm white LEDs: A Preventive Approach Against Asthenopia in Post-covid Era

"Eyes are windows to the soul" - we can smell a rose but cannot see the immense beauty of it without eyes. Dramatic increase in asthenopic symptoms in the students and workers caused by electricity outage is common ocular problem in the rural areas of India. Moreover, Computer vision syndrome (CVS) has extended their deteriorative arms worldwide in post-COVID era due to increased screentime by extensive use of digital gadgets. Blue light released from digital gadgets causes macular degeneration through various factors including oxidative stress. Thus, there is a dire need of mitigative measures against CVS and electricity outage mediated asthenopic symptoms. The aim of the present study was to develop a preventive measure against asthenopia induced mental and ocular disorder. A spectacle frame having blue light blocking glasses along with strip of warm white LED was taken. The hollow temples of spectacles had a wire which was connected to LED strip on one end and another end was connected with neck band having rechargeable battery and intensity regulator feature. A prototype of advance eyewear was developed and patent was published (IPR Application no. 202211006479). Product of this prototype will be developed and commercialized through optical agencies (under discussion with Lenskart & Royal son). First 1 00 samples of the product will be distributed to the students of rural areas under community services. Therefore, it's most plausible applications may be Used as a preventive approach against asthenopia caused by electricity outage and CVS.Useful for the professionals working in dark areas (mechanic, Plumber, Electrician etc).

The relationship between visual display terminal usage at work and symptoms related to computer vision syndrome.

Background: Although it is well known that the usage of visual display terminal (VDT) at the workplace causes computer vision syndrome (CVS), previous studies mainly focused on computer use and the health of white-collar workers. In this study, we explored the relationship between the usage of VDT including various devices, and symptoms related to CVS in a large population including pink-collar workers and blue-collar workers. Methods: 21,304 wage workers over the age of 20 years were analyzed from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey. To investigate the association between VDT use at work and symptoms related to CVS among wage workers, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by multivariate logistic regression models. Results: In the group with the highest VDT usage at work, the OR of headache/eyestrain was 2.16 (95% CI: 1.86-2.52). The OR of suspected CVS patients was significantly increased in the highest group of usage of VDT at work (OR: 1.69; 95% CI, 1.39-2.06). Compare with the reference group, the OR for headache/eyestrain in the highest group of VDT usage was 2.81 (95% CI: 2.13-3.70) in white-collar workers, 1.78 (95% CI: 1.32-2.40) in pink-collar workers, and 1.59 (95% CI: 1.18-2.15) in blue-collar workers. Conclusions: We observed a relationship in which the use of VDT in the workplace increases the risk of headache/eyestrain regardless of occupational classification. Our findings emphasize the importance of paying attention to the health of VDT workers and making plans to improve their working conditions.

Screen Time and its Relation with Ophthalmic Problems among Medical Students

Background: The inflated use of digital screens has completely changed the lives of people physically, mentally and psychologically. The covid-19 pandemic has also compelled people of all age groups to shift to digital media. The average screen time usage is 7-9 hours a day which is alarming. Aim(s): To find out the relation of screen time with ophthalmic problems among medical students. Study Design: Cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Community Medicine, HITEC-IMS Taxila from 1st January 2020 to 30th June 2020. Methodology: One hundred and fifty two medical students were included using non probability convenience sampling technique. An electronic questionnaire was developed and Google forms were used for data registration. Result(s): The relation between screen time duration with difficulty in refocusing (p=0.05) and eye redness (p=0.05). No relation was found between screen duration and headache, eye strain, blurred vision and refractive errors. Conclusion(s): High screen time is found to be related to ophthalmic problems like difficulty refocussing and eye redness which if not addressed properly might result in detrimental effects. Copyright © 2022 Lahore Medical And Dental College. All rights reserved.

Assessment Of Prevalence And Severity Of Digital Eye Strain Amongst Children Using Online Learning During Covid-19

Background- The pandemic affected the education of the children and thus online classes were initiated using digital devices, which resulted in excessive use of digital devices. The present study was therefore conducted at a tertiary care center to determine the burden and severity of Digital strain syndrome among children attending online classes during the pandemic. Methodology- This study was conducted as an online survey-based cross-sectional study on children studying in higher secondary school belonging to the age group of 12 to 16 years attending online classes in Bhopal India. during the pandemic. Using a standard questionnaire, the prevalence and severity of DES were assessed. Results- The mean age of children was 15.82+/-3.93 years. DES was present in 139 (53.9%) children. The most common symptom was headache followed by itching in the eyes. The majority of children had mild DES (37.2%), whereas 13.2% and 3.5% of children had moderate and severe DES respectively. Conclusions- We reported a much higher prevalence of DES during the COVID era, which was due to an increase in the time spent on digital devices for online classes. As the education of children is essential, it should be a continuous process. A concentrated effort must be done to increase awareness regarding DES due to digital device usage and e-learning technologies Copyright © 2023 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

An Explanation of how the Corona Virus (Covid-19) and other Similar Viruses Eork

The common symptoms of corona virus (Covid-19), the patients' absence the sense of taste and smell and these cannot be happened unless this virus reaches control system (the brain). Physiologically it is so difficult to stop these senses without reaching their nervous connections in the brain. In addition, about 500 patients of Covid-19 showed supporting different symptoms: Paralysis of one or both limbs, memory loss for a period of time, Anorexia, weakness, abnormal nervousness, sleeping too much or less than normal, headache, hair loss, Eyes strain and redness, and knowing the person infected with Corona through them, Skin stiffness, Delirium in sleep and in waking, Inability to speak normally and others. All these indicate that the virus reaches the brain. For supporting this study aim selective bio-laboratory tests were measured for hundred patients with covid-19;C.R. Protein, E.S.R., D-Dimer, L.D.H and ferritin. Results of this bio-tests support this study aim. Copyright © 2023, Institute of Medico-legal Publication. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Covid-19 on Physical and Mental Health of Children: A Descriptive Study

Background and Aim: The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged coronavirus epidemic as a pandemic and declared the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern. Emerging research has suggested that these various restrictions, as well as the fear of the virus itself, may have caused children to experience negative mental health consequences. Due to increased amounts of time spent at home the parents need to be aware about the changes in the mental and physical health of the children. This study, thus aimed to survey the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on physical and mental health of school-going children. Material(s) and Method(s): A cross sectional survey was designed to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on the physical and mental health of children. The data is collected with the use of online survey platform. A semi structured questionnaire was developed with several open and close ended questions to examine the effect of lockdown on the mental and physical health of the children from parent-reported changes. Any mental health issues and emotional problems newly emerged or aggravated during lockdown were also enlisted. Another objective was to determine the level of awareness amongst parents about the importance of PA for the child. Result(s): A total of 200 children were included in the study. When the comparison was done in time from before and after lockdown, it was found that the hours spent on mobile were increased from 2 hours to 5 hours. There was significant decrease in the time spend for physical activity. A total of 65% of the respondents reported that there was change in the behaviour of the children. Around 58% of the children had shown the physical changes like eyestrain, fatigue, neck pain, head ache, lower back pain and major problem with increase in weight of children. Conclusion(s): More research is needed to improve our understanding of the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's mental health, especially with regards to the identification of protective factors found in children who may have been less affected by the pandemic. Copyright © 2023, Institute of Medico-legal Publication. All rights reserved.

Digital Eye Strain among undergraduate medical students at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia: CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background / Introduction: The novel coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19) has affected the world entirely. The government of Saudi Arabia adopted varieties of measures to mitigate the spread of the novel virus;one of the measures taken was to close all schools and universities across the kingdom and promoting online education. The aim of our study is to determine the prevalence of digital eye strain, the associated risk factors and the most prevalent associated symptoms among under graduated medical students at Majmaah University in Saudi Arabia. Objective(s): to study the prevalence of digital eye strain among undergraduate students in the college of medicine, and to identify the risk factors associated with digital eye strain, and to identify the preventive measures taken to avoid eye strain symptoms related to digital device use. Methodology: Observational descriptive study (Cross-sectional study) to evaluate Digital Eye Strain among undergraduate students in the college of medicine at Majmaah University, to determine the prevalence of DES, associated risk factors, and measures taken to relieve the symptoms. Data will be analyzed by researchers using SPSS version 20. Result(s): Our study showed that digital eye strain was positively associated in female gender more than male, also it was positively associated in people who have preexisting eye conditions like myopia. Regarding the incidence of digital eyestrain with the intensity, it has been shown that most of our participants had mild strain eyestrain (41%). Moreover, it was observed that headache was the most common complaints by our participants. Using the digital devices for more than 4 h/day, and takings a breaks during using the devices in frequency 60 minutes or more and not using antiglare screen were significant risk factors linked to sys strain symptoms (P<0.001, P=0.02, P=0.04) respectively .In regard the preventive measure taking to reduce the digital eye strain our study found that there was no significant association between practicing the rule of 20-20-20 and the prevalence of digital eye strain among participant using eye drops was significantly associated with low incidence of digital eye strain (P=0.01). Conclusion(s): In conclusion, digital eye strain is an emergent public health problem that is proportional to the duration of exposure to digital screens. It has also been associated with multiple digital devices among medical students most commonly iPads. Digital devices are mandatory in every institution and prevention of digital eye strains with the consequences must be included in the curriculum. Copyright © 2022 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

Eye discomfort at close work in Portuguese university students: A comparative analysis between the pre-COVID and confinement period.

BACKGROUND: Many individuals experience visual symptoms associated with near work. The level of discomfort appears to increase with the amount of digital screen use. OBJECTIVE: To study the eye discomfort with near tasks in university students in the pre-COVID period and in the period of confinement due to the pandemic. METHODS: Two independent samples of students, aged between 18 and 35 years, were used to assess symptomatic behaviour with the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) questionnaire. In the pre-COVID period the sample had 342 participants, 64.6% females and in the COVID period 322 students participated, 71.4% females. The study of differences was carried out by the Mann-Whitney U test. The interpretation of the statistical inference was performed for a significance level≤0.05. RESULTS: There was an increase in the number of symptomatic cases in the COVID period without statistical evidence of differences in the frequency of symptoms reported in the two periods. The dimensions "somatic sensations" and "cognitive performance" were the typology of symptoms that most contributed to visual complaints with near vision. There was a significantly different symptomatic behaviour between genders in the period of confinement (p = 0.001), worsening in females and improving in males. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that females and males exposed to digital environments, over time, may exhibit different symptomatic behaviour. Our results suggest that boys adapt more quickly than girls. Factors that predispose to these changes, aetiology and potential intervention actions still need further study.

Risk factor assessment of digital eye strain during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey

Background: Shifting to online learning during the coronavirus pandemic has increased the number of individuals symptomatic of digital eye strain (DES). This study aimed to determine the frequency and potential risk factors of DES among university staff members and students in this pandemic era. Method(s): A cross-sectional online survey was conducted during the pandemic, in May and June 2020. The online questionnaire was designed to collect data on DES-related ocular and extraocular manifestations. The survey was sent via social media to the previous year's students and staff within the Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt. The responses were downloaded and analyzed. Result(s): Of the 412 participants completing the questionnaire, 34 (8.3%) were university staff members with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 36.7 (6.6) years, and 378 (91.7%) were university students with a mean (SD) age of 20.8 (1.8) years. Participants with DES symptoms numbered 294 (71.4%) before the lockdown, increasing to 366 (88.8%) during the last month, with 84 developing new-onset DES. Most participants reported ocular symptoms associated with DES. After the lockdown, both students and staff had a significant prolongation of nighttime digital screen use and TV watching, an increase in the 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) severity scale scores, and anxiety and depression, with a reduced duration of daytime reading (all P < 0.05). Students had a significant prolongation of daytime digital screen use and TV watching and an increase in the frequency of eye lubricant use and mean Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)-4 scores (all P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that studenthood and increased nighttime screen use were independent risk factors for DES by odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 10.60 (2.12 - 53.00) and 3.99 (1.71 - 9.34), respectively (both P < 0.05). Conclusion(s): Lockdown and closure of the university, with a shift to online learning, increased the exposure of staff and students to digital screens and the number of individuals with DES. Studenthood and prolonged nighttime digital screen use were independent risk factors for DES. Further studies investigating the prevalence and risk factors of DES, comparing similar data during and after the pandemic, may reveal other aspects of DES caused by virtual reality-based training. Copyright © Author(s).

Prevalence Of Symptomatic Dry Eye Disease Among Undergraduate Medical Students After Covid 19 Pandemic In A Tertiary Care Hospital Kanchipuram-A Cr0ss Sectional Study

Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is considered as one of the most prevalent ophthalmological illnesses, caused by a number of systemic and ocular etiologies, including meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Medical students are among the high-risk group for developing DED during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily because visual display terminals (VDTs) are being used more frequently for online courses. During the Covid 19 pandemic curfew there is anincrease in usage of digital devices for mandatory e-learning leads to increased exposure of screen time among medical students. Objective(s):The aim of this study to estimate the prevalence of DED among undergraduate medical students. Methodology:A prospective, Cross Sectional Study was conducted among 250 UG students. After getting informed consent all participants were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, Routine ophthalmological examination along with schrimer test and tear film break-up time (TBUT) as a screening tool for detecting DED.The Data thus collected is entered in Microsoft excel sheet & analyzed using SPSS software version 22.0.Descriptive statistics were applied to summarize the demographic data. Chi-square tests were used for comparisons between categorical variables. Result(s):Among the 250 students 104 (41.6%) were males and 146 (58.4%) were females with the Mean age was 21.17 +/- 1.2. The prevalence of dry eye disease among study participants was 56.8% (142). On OSDI classification of severity grading 89(41.6%) students had mild DED, 48(13.2%) of students had moderate DED and 5 (21.0%) of students had severe DED. Conclusion(s):The study highlighted the drastic increase in use of digital devices after the initiation of the COVID-19 lockdown and there is an increase in prevalence of DED among medical students. Awareness about prevention of digital eye strain should be enforced to bring these adverse effects to a minimum level. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

Digital Eye Strain and Dry Eye Problemsin Covid-19 Lockdown, At BBMCH, Balangir

PURPOSE: Lockdown guidelines during COVID-19 pandemic increased the e-learning methods and gadgets use, basically to undergo classes, recreation procedures and media news updates, which subsequently upsurgedasthenopic symptoms as digital eye strain (DES) epidemic amid COVID-19 lockdown. This is a descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire based study which is aimed to assess the prevalence, risk factors.Pattern of gadgets used, screen time and symptomatology of Digital eye strain among medical students, teaching doctor faculties and paramedical staff during COVID-19 lockdown at BBMCH, Balangir. METHODS: This e-filled self survey analysed 570 responses from medical students of online classes(200), teachers of online classes (38), paramedical staff (122) and general population(210) .Aprevalidated CVS-Q and OSDI questionnaire regarding screen time spent, was used to calculate the DES score. Median DES Score was compared by medians or non-parametric tests. Categorical variables were compared by Chi Square test and predictors of DES were found by binary logistic regression. SPSS Version 21.0 was used to interpret and analyse the collected data. RESULTS: Majority of survey participants(78%) had at least one symptom of digital eye stain;The reported symptoms during electronic device usage in decreasing frequency were Eye fatigue(65%), Eye strain(52%), Ocular discomfort(50%), headaches(48%), Burning eyes(42%), and Dry eyes(35%), watering(34%), shoulder pain(30%) DES symptoms were found to be more than that of dry eye symptoms. The prevalence of DES in students taking e-learning surpassed to those found with other health staff and general population. DES score was also observed to be on higher side for more screen time users, use of gadgets in dark, screen distance<25cm. Lens or spectacle users suffered worsening of vision and needed change of glasses. No association between DES and exacerbation of pre-existing dry eyes and eye diseases were appreciated due to exclusion of such participants from our survey. CONCLUSION:Eye care tips are needed at periodic intervals to create awareness and to reduce eye strain symptoms, closing of eyes on regular basic, maintaining reading distance between 25-30cm and reducing screen time by breaks can lessen the prevalence of DES. As because, use of gadgets were the major media for learning or communication, so ocular health, hygiene and practical precautions should be kept in mind.

The Impact of Excessive Use of Digital Devices During the Pandemic of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) Among Saudi Arabia Population

Background: A substantial increase in using digital devices was observed among the population due to staying at home as a result of the quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic. Consequently, ocular symptoms appeared due to spending several hours of screen time per day. Objective(s): The current study aimed to assess the impact of excessive use of digital devices during the pandemic of coronavirus among the Saudi population. Method(s): A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2020 to January 2021 among the Saudi population. Data were collected by using Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaires for the assessment of symptoms related to dry eye and their effect on vision. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between the risk factors and the symptoms of dry eye. SPSS 22nd edition was used, any p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Result(s): Out of 1573 participants, 93.8% used mobile, 42.4% experienced uncomfortable sensitivity to the light. There were 49.15% of the participants who showed that none of the time they felt blurry vision, 54.8% did not report double vision, and 30.5% who felt a headache recently after quarantine. About 48% of the participants did not have any ocular symptoms, while 52% had dry eye symptoms (mild 22.3%, moderate 13.7%, and severe 15.9%). When the logistic regression model of risk factors associated with severe symptoms of dry eye was applied, wearing a contact lens was the most significant variable (p<0.0001). Conclusion(s): Dry eye symptoms increased during the quarantine, which indicated that the digital device users need to learn more about the preventive measures from practitioners in eye healthcare. More studies are warranted to assess the impact of digital device usage on all age groups starting from children up to the elderly population. Copyright © 2022 Almuhwwis et al.

Population perceived eye strain due to digital devices usage during COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose : Lockdowns from the COVID-19 caused a significant increase in the use of digital devices. This increase could result in ocular sequelae such as eyestrain. We used a crosssectional survey to assess the magnitude severity and determinants of eye strain among Saudi population during the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown and abuse of digital devices. Methods : Saudi population of both genders, aged > 15 years old were invited. The questionnaire included demography, eye strain related symptoms, severity, and use of optical aid during covid-19 lockdown. The frequency and severity of eye strain were calculated. Based on the sum of 15 eye strain related sign and symptom, Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) score was graded as none/ mild moderate and severe CVS. CVS was associated/correlated to determinants. The total score was calculated using a formula score of A X B for each sign and symptom,. The sum of 15 eye strain related sign and symptom score was further graded as <30 = no or mild CVS, 30 to 59 = moderate CVS and more than 60 = severe CVS. Results : There were 2,009 surveyed participants. Their median age was 20 years. The purpose of using digital devices was work and social purposes for 68.4%, and 61% used the digital devices for more than 6 hours daily. The prevalence of knowledge about CVS and '20-20 rule for using digital devices' was 9.4% and 6.9 respectively. Two hundred and eighty-two (14%) of the study participants were diagnosed with COVID-19, and 223 (11.1%) were quarantined. Three fourth of participants did not use contact lens (CL) or spectacles, 393 (19.6%) were using spectacles, 59 (2.9%) were using CL and 55 (2.7%) were using both Spectacles and CL. The most experienced symptoms of eye strain due to digital devices use were headache, burning, itching, tearing, and redness of eyes. The median of eye strain symptom score was 20 (IQR 10: 32). Based on the symptom score, 'no/ mild' grade of eye strain was perceived by 1,486 (74%), moderate eye strain by 468 (23.3%) and severe eye strain by 55 (2.7%) participants. The daily six hours usage of digital devices was found to have a significant and positive association to the eye strain severity grade during COVID-19 lockdown. Conclusions : Saudi-population suffered from eye strain during COVID-19 lockdown due to excessive digital devices use. Health care provider should educate general population about healthy measures during daily use of digital devices.

Prevalence of Asthenopia and Its Relationship with Electronic Screen Usage During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: To assess the connection between the prevalence of asthenopia and the use of electronic devices in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients and Methods: Asthenopia prevalence and its connection to electronic screens during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated in an analytical, cross-sectional investigation among the Jazan population. The sample population included 784 participants. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a pre-tested, organized, and self-administered questionnaire was used as the study method. Social media invitations were used to contact the sample group. Results: Of the 784 participants, 587 (74.96%) had asthenopia symptoms after using digital devices at the end of the day. A total of 56.30% used digital gadgets for > 6 hours each day, whereas 55.36% spent <2 hours per day reading papers or books or writing. Daily usage of digital gadgets did not significantly differ from asthenopia (p=0.46), as well as reading papers, books, or writing and asthenopia (p=0.098). A total of 45.92% of the study population maintained digital devices/books at a distance <25 cm, which was significantly associated with symptoms of asthenopia (p=0.048). Furthermore, 90.10% of the sample population used laptops, cellphones, and iPads before going to bed or after turning off lights. A total of 63.52% preferred using devices while lying in bed. There was no positive link between asthenopia symptoms and cellphone usage at bedtime or after turning off lights (p=0.028). Conclusion: Digital technology is used by people of all ages for a wide range of daily activities, including education, employment, business, and recreation. We concluded that this group had a high prevalence of asthenopia, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The high frequency of asthenopia emphasizes the significance of conducting public awareness campaigns concerning asthenopia symptoms and prevention methods.