A cross-sectional study on the use of near-visual display devices in the Middle-Eastern children population

PURPOSE: The objective of the study is to highlight the demographics, awareness of hazards, ocular symptoms, and healthy practices associated with the use of near-visual display devices (NVDD) in the Middle-Eastern children population. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty participants aged 4–16 years responded to a questionnaire on demographic aspects, symptoms, awareness of hazards, and healthy practices associated with the use of NVDD. RESULTS: Daily use, prolonged viewing (for 3 h or more), and the use of multiple NVDD (2 or more) were seen in the majority (79.6%, 90%, and 71.5%, respectively). Smartphones, tablets, and iPads were the most used devices. Symptoms were present in 92.3%. The association between appearance of symptoms and duration of exposure to the digital screen was statistically significant (P < 0.00001). Symptoms were itching (40.0%), watery eyes (31.0%), burning sensation (24.0%), headache (22.0%), excessive blinking (20.0%), dry eyes (20.0%), foreign body sensation (10.0%), redness (10.0%), eye or periorbital pain (8.0%), blurry vision (5.0%), and photophobia (3.0%). A low minority (9.2%) were aware of the harmful effects of prolonged use of NVDD and the protective measures against it; schools were not involved in educating students about the proper use of these devices. Sixty percent attended periodic eye checkup, 20.0% set time limit, 6.9% properly adjusted screen brightness, and 15.0% practiced outdoor play daily. CONCLUSION: Majority of the children (90%) were symptomatic when used NVDD excessively. Children are generally uneducated about healthy practices to prevent these symptoms. Spreading awareness among children and parents is important.