Prevalence and Risk Factors of Parents Perceived Digital Eye Strain Syndrome among Saudi Students 1 Year after Online Studies: A Web-Based Survey

PURPOSE: The purpose is to present the prevalence and risk factors of parents’ perceptions of digital eye strain (DES) syndrome 1 year after virtual learning among Saudi students. METHODS: This web-based survey was conducted in December 2021 in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Sixteen symptoms of DES were inquired. Parents responded to the frequency and severity of DES symptoms in their wards. The DES score assessed by the parents/guardian was associated with different determinants. RESULTS: The survey included 704 students. The prevalence of DES was 59.4% (95% confidence interval 55.0; 63.8). Severe (scoring 18+) and moderate (score 12–18) grades of DES were found in 24% and 14% of students, respectively. Headache (20.9%), deterioration of vision (14.5%), difficulty focusing (12.5%), watering/tearing of eyes (10.1%), and blurred vision (10.8%) were noted as main DES symptoms. Girls, intermediate school students, students with spectacles, those with more than 4 h daily screen time or who position devices 25 cm or less from their eyes, and those attending virtual class for more than 4 h a day were found to have significantly severe DES grades. Females (P = 0.16), having outdoor activities of 1+ h (P = 0.02), 2+ h of daily screen time (P = 0.24), and attending virtual class for 4+ h (P = 0.001) were significant predictors of moderate and severe DES. Poor eye health and lower scholastic status were associated with severe DES. CONCLUSION: DES in students after 1 year of virtual studying was high. Risk factors need to be addressed to avoid DES and its impact on students.