Knowledge, attitude, and practice on digital eye strain during coronavirus disease-2019 lockdown: A comparative study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Digital Health

Background:

• Computer vision syndrome, including digital eye strain (DES), arises from prolonged digital screen use.
• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated online work and education, increasing global digital screen exposure and DES.
• This study investigated DES knowledge, attitudes, and practices among professionals during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding digital eye strain (DES) between medical and non-medical professionals.
• To assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on DES symptoms in different professional groups.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, observational study utilizing an online questionnaire.
• Age- and sex-matched medical and non-medical professionals were surveyed.
• Data were collected over one week and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0.

Main Results:

• The study included 700 professionals (353 medical, 347 non-medical).
• A high prevalence of eye problems was reported: 75.4% of medical and 77.2% of non-medical professionals.
• A significant increase in DES symptoms post-lockdown was observed, with 52.6% of medical and 60.8% of non-medical professionals reporting worsening symptoms (P=0.015).

Conclusions:

• Digital eye strain (DES) is a preventable, lifestyle-associated condition.
• Increased public awareness and simple preventative measures can mitigate DES.
• Further research is needed to establish standardized DES management guidelines.