The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, online-learning on the state of visual system and psychological state of students

Abstract

The aim of this study: to identify and analyze changes in the lifestyle and psychological sphere of students who are undergoing online training in quarantine isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: 160 students were examined for the myopic refraction using the Duochrome Test, as well as shifts in the quality of vision as a result of online learning. All participants were also interviewed to ascertain living conditions and psychological status during domestic learning related to COVID-19 isolation. Result: it was found that 42.5 % participants have myopia, most of them students of 1 and 4 courses (26.5 % and 30.9 %, respectively). 85.6 % respondents noted deterioration in health after long-term visual work with personal computer and/or smartphone. The leading symptoms associated with work on digital displays were: decreased visual acuity and binocular vision disorders (81.9 %), headache (75.6 %), back muscle pain (71.9 %), eyes redness (55.6 %), dry and itchy eyes (45 % of respondents). It has been established what 75.6 % respondents indicated deterioration in their psychological condition as a result of quarantine restrictions: 68.1 % – stress, 48.8 % – emotional instability (irritability), 51.9 % – sleep disorders (insomnia), 16.3 % – depression. It is determined that daily average working time in the conditions of domestic online learning was 6.4±2.6 hours (compared to 4.1±1.7 hours in the pre-quarantine period). Conclusion: revealed deterioration in the quality of vision, general well-being and the psychological sphere of students who are undergoing online quarantine training due to the COVID-19 pandemic.