DR. SHRISHTI MISHRA

DR. LOKESH KUMAR SINGH, DR. ALKA GUPTA

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:The spread of covid19 caused the shift from classroom to online education. With the considerable increase in screen time the surge in eye strain symptoms were seen.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:To determine prevalence , associated risk factors of eye strain among children during pandemic.

METHODS:Questionnaire was prepared regarding the time spent on digital devices and development of ocular symptoms during the pandemic.

RESULTS:232 parents/children took the questionnaire. Mean duration of digital device used during pandemic was 4.3+/- 1.2 h (p<0.0001).44.9% were using digital devices >5hrs in the pandemic. The most common digital device was smartphones. 164 children were attending online classes for >2 hrs/day. Prevalence of eye strain in our study is 63.42%. Most common symptoms were itching and headache(53%).

CONCLUSION: Increase in prevalence of eye strain among children is noted in the pandemic. It can be avoided by considering duration and distance of use of digital device.