Digital Eye Strain and Associated Risk Factors among Medical Science Students of North India

There is an increase in the use of visual digital devices among young adults more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Very little research is available in the literature regarding its effect on the Indian population, especially in students pursuing medical courses.

The objective of the study was to study the occurrence of digital eye strain (DES) among medical and nursing students and the contributing risk factors.

An observational, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on medical and nursing students who were using visual display terminals such as computers, mobiles, and tablets on a daily basis. They were assessed by a semi-structured questionnaire and symptomology by the computer vision syndrome questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was conducted for the assessment of risk factors.

The overall prevalence of DES was found to be 70.4% (medical students 74.3% and nursing students 57.6%) with 96.5% of the students having at least one symptom of DES. The most common symptom was headache of moderate intensity (74.8%) followed by eye pain (66.4%), dryness (62.4%), redness of eyes (60%), and burning sensation (58.8%). Multivariate analysis revealed the course of study, use of glasses, years of device usage, interval of breaks between usage, distance from the screen, brightness of the screen, and ignorance of the 20/20/20 rule to be independent risk factors for DES.

DES is common among students pursuing medical sciences. Awareness programs regarding proper use of digital devices and ergonomic practices are recommended.