To ascertain the effect of digital eye strain on ocular healthamong school children during COVID Pandemic: A cross sectional stu

ABSTRACT

Background: The present study was conducted to assessthe effect of digital eye strain due to online mode of teaching in school children during COVID Pandemic. Materials & methods:A cross sectional study was conducted among school children during the period 2020-2022to assessthe refractive errors during COVID Pandemic. A total of 4393 (1442,1532, 1419) schoolchildren were enrolled and examined for refractive errors during the year 2020,2021,2022 respectively. Prevalence of various refractive errors was assessed based on refractive error study in children (RESC) survey group. Results:There were 2324(52.9%) male and 2069(47.0%) female students. Ocular examination depicted enhancement of refractive errors in all the age groups. However among the children in the age group of 9 to 12 years, refractive errors were detected among 612/1507(43.1%) children. Conclusion: There has been an increase in use of digital devices after the initiation of the COVID-19 lockdown, and has resulted in deterioration of ocular health of school going children.