The Impact of Digital Screen Exposure on Visual Health Among University Students A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Today, many higher education students are exposed to digital devices on a daily basis, which has led to a significant increase in the exposure to screens, and the negative effects on visual health are a concern. Digital Eye Strain (DES) occurs when you have prolonged exposure to digital screens, and can result in symptoms such as eye fatigue, dry eye, blurred vision, headaches and difficulty focusing.

Objective: This study aims to assess the effect of Digital Screen Use on visual health and to find factors associated with Digital Eye Strain among university students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional analysis study, using a structured self-administered questionnaire with 200 students at the University in Saudi Arabia. The data obtained included the sociodemographic data, time spent at electronic screens, ergonomic habits, and visual health symptoms. Chi-square and One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) used to analyze the data.

Findings: The findings showed that there was a significant relationship between prolonged daily screen use and Digital Eye Strain (χ² = 24.83, p < 0.001; F = 32.81, p < 0.001). Significant associations were also observed between Digital Eye Strain and viewing distance (χ² = 22.94, p < 0.001), adherence to the 20-20-20 rule (χ² = 12.55, p < 0.001), screen brightness (χ² = 7.52, p = 0.006), frequency of taking breaks (χ² = 6.03, p = 0.014), gender (χ² = 5.74, p = 0.017), and blue-light filter use (χ² = 4.03, p = 0.045). The One-Way ANOVA also found significant differences between the prolonged uninterrupted screen use, sleep duration, multiple digital devices and year of study groups in their mean scores of D.ES (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: There is a significant link between the use of digital screens and visual health in university students in Saudi Arabia. Digital eye strain is caused by prolonged screen use, and ergonomic problems. Encouraging positive screen use habits, good ergonomic practices and visual rest breaks can help minimize eye discomfort and enhance the ocular health and learning outcomes of students.