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A Method to Quantify Visual Information Processing in Children Using Eye Tracking
Published on: July 9, 2016
A cross-sectional study on the use of near-visual display devices in the Middle-Eastern children population
Thuraya N Maher1, M Irfan Khan2, Noor Azzam3
1Almadar Medical Centre, Department of Ophthalmology, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Insights
Most Middle-Eastern children experience symptoms from excessive near-visual display device (NVDD) use, with limited awareness of associated hazards and protective measures. Education for children and parents is crucial to promote healthy digital habits.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Health
- Digital Media Studies
Background:
- Near-visual display devices (NVDD) are increasingly prevalent among children.
- Understanding the impact of NVDD use on pediatric eye health is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess demographics, hazard awareness, ocular symptoms, and healthy practices related to NVDD use in Middle-Eastern children.
- To identify the prevalence of symptoms and associated risk factors in this population.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study involving 260 children aged 4-16 years.
- Data collected on demographics, NVDD usage patterns, symptoms, hazard awareness, and protective behaviors.
Main Results:
- 92.3% of children reported symptoms, with itching and watery eyes being most common.
- Prolonged daily use (≥3 hours) and multiple devices (≥2) were highly prevalent (90% and 71.5%).
- Only 9.2% were aware of NVDD hazards and protective measures; schools showed no involvement in education.
Conclusions:
- Excessive NVDD use is strongly linked to ocular symptoms in children.
- There is a significant lack of awareness regarding healthy digital practices among children and parents.
- Educational initiatives are vital to mitigate NVDD-related eye issues in pediatric populations.
Purpose:
The objective of the study is to highlight the demographics, awareness of hazards, ocular symptoms, and healthy practices associated with the use of near-visual display devices (NVDD) in the Middle-Eastern children population.
Methods:
Two hundred and sixty participants aged 4-16 years responded to a questionnaire on demographic aspects, symptoms, awareness of hazards, and healthy practices associated with the use of NVDD.
Results:
Daily use, prolonged viewing (for 3 h or more), and the use of multiple NVDD (2 or more) were seen in the majority (79.6%, 90%, and 71.5%, respectively). Smartphones, tablets, and iPads were the most used devices. Symptoms were present in 92.3%. The association between appearance of symptoms and duration of exposure to the digital screen was statistically significant (P < 0.00001). Symptoms were itching (40.0%), watery eyes (31.0%), burning sensation (24.0%), headache (22.0%), excessive blinking (20.0%), dry eyes (20.0%), foreign body sensation (10.0%), redness (10.0%), eye or periorbital pain (8.0%), blurry vision (5.0%), and photophobia (3.0%). A low minority (9.2%) were aware of the harmful effects of prolonged use of NVDD and the protective measures against it; schools were not involved in educating students about the proper use of these devices. Sixty percent attended periodic eye checkup, 20.0% set time limit, 6.9% properly adjusted screen brightness, and 15.0% practiced outdoor play daily.
Conclusion:
Majority of the children (90%) were symptomatic when used NVDD excessively. Children are generally uneducated about healthy practices to prevent these symptoms. Spreading awareness among children and parents is important.
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