Effect of long-term exposure of digital devices during the COVID-19 pandemic and on ocular health

Abstract

Background: The study aims to compare the effect of long-term exposure to digital devices during covid-19 and before the lockdown. Objective: To assess the impact of the lockdown on digital device usage & consequently, the ocular surface health implication related to digital eye strain. Materials and Methods: An open online survey was distributed to people via social media platforms (email, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, and so on). Result: Females participated more than males, with 58.3%. With 30.76%, the >50 age group was found to participate, and at 13-31 years of age, participation was found to be more with 60%. Most individuals use digital devices for education with 44.2%. Before the lockdown, the duration of digital device usage is not there between 4 to 6 hours, but during the lockdown, it has been increased by 35% due to working from home. 76.3% of participants feel restless due to prolonged use of digital devices. Conclusion: It was discovered that before the lockdown the duration of digital device usage is not there between 4 to 6 hrs but during the lockdown, due to working from home it has increased and headache as an asymptomatic symptom is noticed more during prolonged use of digital devices in lockdown.