Digital Eye Straining: Exploring Its Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Effects on the Quality of Life

Abstract

Background: Digital eye strain (DES) has become a pervasive issue in contemporary society due to increased reliance on electronic devices. This study aims to comprehensively explore the symptoms, severity, and associated factors of DES, considering demographic, behavioral, and health-related variables.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among participants with diverse demographic backgrounds. A structured questionnaire collected data on participant characteristics, electronic device usage patterns, symptoms of DES, and its impact on various aspects of quality of life. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were employed to assess associations and significance.

Results: The majority of participants reported symptoms of DES, with eye dryness, headache, and eye redness being the most prevalent. Symptom severity varied, with age, daily device usage, adherence to the 20-20-20 rule, and studying with electronic devices demonstrating statistically significant associations. Participants diagnosed with eye diseases exhibited higher symptom severity. While disagreement was common regarding DES increasing stress, a substantial proportion acknowledged its impact on productivity and attention.

Conclusion: The current study showed that there is a significant correlation between the incidence of digital eye straining and longer screen exposure time. The findings underscore the importance of age, behavior, and ocular health in understanding and addressing DES. The results contribute to the broader discourse on digital eye health and emphasize the need for targeted interventions to alleviate the impact of DES on daily life.

Keywords: digital and eye; digital eye strain; digital eye strain symptoms; eye strain; eye strain factors.

Figure 1. Symptoms reported by the participants

Figure 2. Most bothered symptoms to the participants