Visual implications of digital device usage in school children: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Health
• Digital Health

Background:

• Adolescent digital device usage is rapidly increasing.
• This trend poses new challenges for children's eye health.
• Understanding usage patterns and associated risks is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate digital device use among urban Indian school children (aged 11-17).
• To assess reading habits and their relation to device usage.
• To determine the prevalence of digital eyestrain in this population.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted among 576 urban school adolescents.
• Data collected included electronic device usage and factors influencing ocular symptoms.
• Reading postures and preferences were also recorded.

Main Results:

• Daily digital device use increased from 20% at age 11 to 50% at age 17.
• One-third of students used digital devices for reading instead of textbooks.
• A significant association was found between reading while lying down and experiencing eyestrain (27%).
• Overall, 18% of students reported eyestrain after using digital devices.

Conclusions:

• Increased digital device use among adolescents contributes to early-onset digital eyestrain.
• Reading postures, particularly lying down, are linked to higher rates of eyestrain.
• Further research is needed to address the growing issue of digital eyestrain in school children.