Online Survey of Digital Eye Strain among filipino Students and Professionals

Background. Digital eye strain (DES) is a condition characterized by visual disturbance or ocular discomfort related to the inappropriate use of digital devices. Although DES affects a lot of individuals in other countries, there is a paucity of local data on the condition, considering that the Filipinos are the longest-duration internet users in the world. 

Objective. This study determined the prevalence, distribution, and characteristics of digital eye strain among Filipino medical and undergraduate college students, and healthcare and information technology (IT) professionals who are engaged in digital device work. 

Methods. This is a single-center, cross-sectional prevalence study. An online survey questionnaire was developed on the Google Forms platform, and data regarding demography, digital device use information, the DES symptoms questionnaire (adapted from the CVS-Q by Segui et al 2015), and awareness of DES and the 20-20-20 rule for prevention were collected. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used, and a multivariate regression analysis model was developed to determine any association between the occurrence of DES and the various demographic variables.

Results. 326 of the 456 respondents scored 6 or above on the CVS Questionnaire and were determined to have DES. The overall prevalence rate of DES is 71%. Female respondents had a statistically higher prevalence of DES at 78% compared to 61.5% in males (p <0.0001, OR = 2.35). Those who spent more than 12 hours on their devices tended to experience DES more compared to those who spent less time (p-value = 0.004), but duration of daily use did not appear to be an independent risk factor (OR = 0.99). Participants with pre-existing eye conditions, mainly in the form of error of refraction, reported a statistically higher rate of DES (p = 0.023); astigmatism, in particular, appears to be an independent risk factor (OR = 2.13). The most frequently reported DES symptom was headache, while the most intense symptom, if present, was feeling that eyesight is worsening. About 73% of the respondents were aware of DES, but considerably fewer knew about the 20-20-20 rule (42%).

Conclusion. The prevalence of DES among Filipino students and professionals is higher than the rate reported in the literature. Female sex and the presence of pre-existing eye conditions are independent risk factors for developing DES. Digital eye strain can be considered in patients complaining of headache in the presence of work-related risk factors. Awareness of DES alone is not a protective factor from developing DES if behavioral modification in the form of the 20-20-20 rule and proper ergonomics are not observed.