DR. NEDA AHMADI

DR. SOFIA AHMAD, DR.DEEPTI PRABHA EKKA, DR. AISWARIYA MOHANTY

Abstract

AIM: To study effect of digital screen time on myopic shift and axial length

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational case study was done in 100 children between age of 6-16 years (out of which 57 were female and 43 male) for duration of 1 year. Children with pathological myopia, squint, amblyopia, retinal and congenital disorder were excluded. 1 follow up at 6th month. Cycloplegic refraction, fundoscopy and axial length measurement by A scan (APPA SCAN MAX) was done in both the visits.

RESULTS: 76 out of 100 had myopic shift (beyond physiological limit) which showed positive correlation with digital screen time and axial length (r>0.74, P<0.05) CONCLUSION: Axial elongation is the primary ocular component in myopia progression which is accelerated due to increase in the digital screen time contributed by online classes and limitation of outdoor activities in COVID 19 pandemic.