Impact of Digitalization in the Eye Strain during Covid-19 Lockdown Period: An Epidemiological Study

Background: Over past few months due to COVID-19 lockdown, our society has been in indoor settings where the education, work and entertainment are through digital platform. This created an increase in rate of digital eye strain. Method & materials: An epidemiological observational study conducted during lockdown period among people of Kerala with a structured and validated questionnaire using Google form. People with age ≥ 18 years, using digital screen on continuous basis were included in the study.Inform consent were collected from the participants before the survey.The statistical analysis were done using SPSS software. Results and Discussions: A total of 584 were participated in the study where more than 86% reported at least one symptom. Smart phone and computer were the major platform used by participants mainly for learning and entertainment.31% of participants were continuously using digital screen for >2hours.One fourth of participants were using the screen for >9 hours and a 20% uses the screen in dark room or dim light for >5 hours. 66% had mild and 2.2% had severe symptoms.Headache was the common symptom found followed by eye pain and neck/shoulder/joint pain. Females were found to be more prone to develop CVS. Headache, eye redness, burning, etc. were correlated with duration of use. Conclusion: The digital screens demands high visual strain, much attention and care should be taken for vision problems and related issues.Since we are depending on digital screens for many of the daily activities, the information related to CVS and associated discomfort along with the prevention strategies should be explained by health professionals. Keywords: Digital Eye Strain, Computer vision syndrome, Lockdown, COVID-1