Digital eye strain among undergraduate medical students in a tertiary eye care hospital of south India – A questionnaire based study

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the frequency of digital eye strain (DES) among undergraduate medical students in a tertiary eye care hospital in South India and to correlate the optical correction and device usage factors with DES related symptoms. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire based study on undergraduate medical students was done in Yenepoya medical college over the period of 2 months after obtaining ethical clearance from institutional ethics committee, the filled questionnaire was collected, data was tabulated and analysed. Result: In our study the male to female ratio was almost equal. Out of the total 120 participants, 55.83% had symptomatic DES females were more affected (53.7%). Headache was the most common symptom experienced (73.33%) followed by Dry eyes (63.33%), Eye strain (53.33%). 64 (84.21%) of 76 participants who used their digital devices for > 4 hours per day and, 33 (67.34%) of 49 participants who held their device approximately at < 33cm had symptomatic DES. 8 (80%) of 10 infrequent spectacle users had symptomatic DES. 22 of 43 using spectacles used antiglare and only 3 (13.63%) of these had symptomatic DES. All 3 frequent users of contact lens had symptomatic DES. Conclusion: DES is more prevalent in females, and higher the hours of use of digital device, greater is the risk of DES. A greater viewing distance and high contrast reduce the chances of developing DES and hence is advisable. Frequent use of habitual refractive correction is recommended with antiglare, however, prolonged use of contact lens especially in air conditioned environment should be avoided.