THE IMPACT OF EXTENDED SCREEN TIME ON EYE HEALTH AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN KARACHI: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Keywords:
Extended screen time, eye health, digital eye strain, university students, Karachi, cross-sectional study, screen ergonomics, sleep disturbances, ocular health, and preventive measuresAbstract
Background: The extensive use of digital devices has become a prominent aspect of university students' daily lives, often leading to prolonged screen time. This trend raises concerns about its potential impact on eye health, particularly in young adults who are susceptible to digital eye strain and related issues.
Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 350 university students in Karachi, Pakistan, to assess their screen time habits and its perceived impact on eye health. We collected data on the frequency and duration of screen use, as well as symptoms like eye strain, dryness, and sleep disturbances. Participants’ responses were categorized into levels of impact to explore how they perceive screen time’s effect on their ocular health.
Results: Of the students surveyed, 40.6% believed their screen time "very much" affected their eye health, while 31.1% felt a "moderate" impact. Common symptoms reported included eye strain (67%), dryness (52%), and sleep disturbances (45%). There was a significant correlation between higher screen time (more than 5 hours per day) and the severity of these symptoms (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: University students in Karachi are notably aware of the adverse effects of prolonged screen time on their eye health. However, despite this awareness, many continue excessive screen use. Increased awareness campaigns and preventive measures, such as screen ergonomics and routine eye check-ups, could help mitigate the eye health risks associated with extended screen exposure among students.
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