Eyes on Screens: Exploring the Ocular Health Consequences of Smartphone Use in Medical Students

Smartphones have become essential tools in education, particularly in medical studies. However, their prolonged use has been associated with digital eye strain (DES) and various ocular health problems. The present study aimed to measure the duration and pattern of smartphone use and assess the effects of smartphone use on ocular health among medical students.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 345 medical students (first to final year) from private medical and dental colleges using nonprobability convenience sampling. The sociodemographics, usage patterns, and ocular symptoms were evaluated using a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 (IBM Co.); the chi-square test was used to assess associations (p < 0.05).

All study participants reported smartphone use, with 53.9% initiating between the ages of 12 and 18 years. Excessive usage was perceived by 79.4%, and 41.2% reported > 8 hours/day. Academic and recreational use was common (91.9%). Reduced blinking (< 15-20/min) was reported by 75.9%, and 40.6% never rested their eyes. The frequency of ocular symptoms was high [itching (82.0%), dryness (81.7%), redness (79.7%), photophobia (79.1%), and lacrimation (73.9%)]; eye fatigue occurred in 63.5%. A screen time of > 8 hours was significantly associated with dryness (p = 0.02), lacrimation (p = 0.04), and itching (p = 0.03). Infrequent rest was correlated with dryness (p < 0.001) and itching (p = 0.05). The symptoms occurred irrespective of refractive status.

Smartphone use is universal among medical students, with substantial daily screen exposure and poor digital health resulting in a high prevalence of DES. Awareness campaigns promoting the "20-20-20 rule," regular blinking, and ergonomic practices are essential.