A Study to Assess the Impact of Increased Screen Time During COVID-19 Pandemic on Eye Health

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a dramatic rise in usage of digital platforms thus increasing screen time. The continued usage of e-devices is associated with many adverse effects like dry eyes, blurring of vision, reduced concentration span, headache. The purpose of this research was to analyse the impact of increased screen time during COVID-19 on eye health among general population and to create awareness about the suitable usage of e-devices. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of increased screen time, analyse the dependence on e-devices and test the awareness regarding eye health in the general population during COVID-19. A descriptive survey-based study was conducted in general population of the age group of 15-25. A self- generated questionnaire was used to assess the impact of screen time on eye health during COVID-19 after appropriate validation. This study was conducted in the month of July 2020 for a period of 1 month. A total of 181 participants took part in the study. 92.8% of the participants spent greater than four hours on screen media. 48.1% had faced vision problems during this period. Most of the users experienced headache during lockdown period. 81.8% believed that there was a change in their sleep pattern as compared to pre-COVID period. The study points out that common people should be made aware of the adverse effects associated to the excessive use of screen time on health both physical and mental wellbeing. to focus, foreign body sensation.10 Multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media use and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal