Eye Health Problems Related to Prolonged Exposure to Electronic Devices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37899/mjdh.v3i1.334Keywords:
Behavioral Factors, Digital Eye Strain, Electronic Devices, Ocular Health, Screen Exposure, Visual Discomfort, Workplace ErgonomicsAbstract
The increasing dependence on electronic devices in occupational, educational, and recreational activities has intensified concerns regarding eye health problems associated with prolonged screen exposure. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of visual discomfort among adult electronic device users and to identify behavioral, environmental, and individual factors influencing ocular health outcomes. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed involving 300 respondents aged 18 years and above who routinely used electronic devices for at least two hours daily. Data were collected through structured questionnaires assessing screen exposure patterns, ergonomic conditions, behavioral practices, and self-reported eye health symptoms. The findings revealed a high prevalence of digital eye strain symptoms, particularly eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. Prolonged screen exposure exceeding six hours daily emerged as the strongest predictor of visual discomfort, while irregular visual breaks, excessive screen brightness, close viewing distance, and corrective lens use further increased symptom prevalence. The novelty of this study lies in its multidimensional analytical framework integrating behavioral, environmental, and physiological determinants within broader non-clinical populations. The findings highlight the importance of integrated preventive strategies combining ergonomic improvements, digital-wellbeing education, and institutional support to promote sustainable and healthier digital technology use.
References
Abdulhussein, D., & Abdul Hussein, M. (2023). WHO Vision 2020: Have we done it?. Ophthalmic epidemiology, 30(4), 331-339. https://doi.org/10.1080/09286586.2022.2127784
Aghaei, H., & Abdolalizadeh, P. (2023). Computer vision syndrome. In Recent advances in dry eye disease. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.111740
Ali, B., Fatima, K., Fatima, A., & Mazhar, K. (2023). Assessing the impact of prolonged screen time on ophthalmic health among students: A post-COVID-19 study in Pakistan. Scientific Inquiry and Review, 7(2), 54-70. https://doi.org/10.32350/sir.72.03
Almahmoud, O. H., Mahmmod, K. M., Mohtaseb, S. A., Totah, N. J., Nijem, D. F. A., & Hammoudeh, A. N. (2025). Assessment of digital eye strain and its associated factors among school children in Palestine. BMC ophthalmology, 25(1), 81. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12886-025-03919-x
Almohammadi, A. A. (2026). Digital eye strain and myopia progression in the digital age: A preventive ophthalmology approach to screen-related ocular health. The Pan-American Journal of Ophthalmology, 8(1), 208. https://doi.org/10.70135/seejph.vi.6146
Bagaji, S., & Rao, R. (2025). Digital fatigue in the age of screens: eye and postural strain among 18–35-year-old screen users. International Journal of Research-GRANTHAALAYAH, 13. https://doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v13.i5.2025.6191
Barata, M. J., Aguiar, P., Grzybowski, A., Moreira-Rosário, A., & Lança, C. (2025). A Review of Digital Eye Strain: Binocular Vision Anomalies, Ocular Surface Changes, and the Need for Objective Assessment. Journal of Eye Movement Research, 18(5), 39. https://doi.org/10.3390/jemr18050039
Borromeo, A. S. (2026). Beyond the screen: Lived experiences and coping strategies of educators facing digital eye strain in a Philippine university. Qualitative Research in Medicine & Healthcare, 100046. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.qrmh.2026.100046
Chowdhury, A. S. (2024). Evaluation of dry eye syndrome among office workers using digital screens-clinical and environmental determinants. The Planet, 8(01), 179-183.
Cullen, J., Muntz, A., Marsh, S., Simmonds, L., Mayes, J., O'Neill, K., & Duncan, S. (2024). Impacts of digital technologies on child and adolescent health: Recommendations for safer screen use in educational settings. The New Zealand Medical Journal (Online), 137(1598), 9-13. https://doi.org/10.26635/6965.6565
Gajewski, W., Górski, J., Janecka, J., Hofman, M., Skoczek, W., & Gałęcki, W. (2025). The Impact of Digital Screens on Eye and Nervous System Health. Journal of Medical Science, 94(3), e1283-e1283. https://doi.org/10.20883/medical.e1283
Haghani, M., Abbasi, S., Abdoli, L., Shams, S. F., Zarandi, B. F. B. A. B., Shokrpour, N., ... & Mortazavi, S. M. J. (2024). Blue light and digital screens revisited: a new look at blue light from the vision quality, circadian rhythm and cognitive functions perspective. Journal of biomedical physics & engineering, 14(3), 213. https://doi.org/10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2106-1355
Joshi, A., Jaryal, R., & Sharma, R. (2025). Screen Time vs. Eye Time': Evaluating Awareness of Digital Eye Strain in the Tech Era. IAR Journal of Clinical Research, 5, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.47310/iarjhcp.2025.v05i01.002
Kaur, K., Gurnani, B., Nayak, S., Deori, N., Kaur, S., Jethani, J., ... & Mishra, D. (2022). Digital eye strain-a comprehensive review. Ophthalmology and therapy, 11(5), 1655-1680. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40123-022-00540-9
Keel, S., Lingham, G., Misra, N., Block, S., Bourne, R., Calonge, M., ... & Cieza, A. (2022). Toward universal eye health coverage—Key Outcomes of the World Health Organization Package of eye care interventions: a systematic review. JAMA ophthalmology, 140(12). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2022.4716
Langdon, R. L., DiSabella, M. T., & Strelzik, J. A. (2024). Screen time and pediatric headache: A scoping review of the literature. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 64(2), 211-225. https://doi.org/10.1111/head.14674
Lin, M., Zheng, X., He, C., Li, M., Lu, F., & Hu, L. (2025). Effects of ambient illuminance and mobile phone screen brightness on tear film stability, visual fatigue, and blink patterns during reading. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 102515. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2025.102515
Liu, K., & Zhou, Y. (2024). The impact of ergonomics and biomechanics on optimizing learning environments in higher education management. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, 21(3). https://doi.org/10.62617/mcb396
Majszyk, T., Radziwonka, A., Wrochna, B., Olborska, A., Niezgoda, A., Kosiorek, P., ... & Węglarz, A. (2026). Remote learning and increased screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic as risk factors for Digital Eye Strain: a review. Journal of Education, Health and Sport, 88, 68746-68746. https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2026.88.68746
Malvasi, M., Pacella, E., De Sio, S., & Covelli, G. P. (2026). Functional Visual Symptoms, Accommodative Dysfunction, and Visual Performance Alterations in Chronic Work-Related Stress: A Narrative Review. Vision, 10(1), 14. https://doi.org/10.3390/vision10010014
Manna, P. (2026). From the ocular surface to neurophysiology: an integrative review of digital eye strain. Clinical Optometry, 586750. https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTO.S586750
Mataftsi, A., Seliniotaki, A. K., Moutzouri, S., Prousali, E., Darusman, K. R., Adio, A. O., ... & Nischal, K. K. (2023). Digital eye strain in young screen users: A systematic review. Preventive Medicine, 170, 107493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107493
McKee, C., & Hedge, A. (2022). Ergonomic lighting considerations for the home office workplace. Work, 71(2), 335-343. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-210704
McMonnies, C. W. (2025). The pervasive contributions of blink inefficiency to dry eye disease and computer vision syndromes. Expert Review of Ophthalmology, 20(1), 41-54. https://doi.org/10.1080/17469899.2024.2407618
Mehra, D., & Galor, A. (2020). Digital screen use and dry eye: a review. Asia-Pacific journal of ophthalmology, 9(6), 491-497.
Nakshine, V. S., Thute, P., Khatib, M. N., & Sarkar, B. (2022). Increased screen time as a cause of declining physical, psychological health, and sleep patterns: a literary review. Cureus, 14(10). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.30051
Novak, E. V. (2026). Workplace Ergonomic Design and Its Role in Reducing Visual and Cognitive Fatigue among Office Employees. Journal of Applied Ergonomics Research P-ISSN: 3117-8332| E-ISSN: 3117-8340, 1(1), 33-43.
Pant, P. (2025). Balancing Screen Time and Human Interaction in Blended Learning. In Blending Human Intelligence With Technology in the Classroom (pp. 119-156). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-0771
Parrey, M. U. R., Alshammari, A. O., Bedaiwi, A. A., & Salama, B. (2023). Digital eye strain: knowledge, attitude and practice among university students. Archives of Pharmacy Practice, 14(3-2023), 33-37. https://doi.org/10.51847/jwUgTazd60
Portello, J. K., Rosenfield, M., Bababekova, Y., Estrada, J. M., & Leon, A. (2012). Computer-related visual symptoms in office workers. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 32(5), 375–382. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-1313.2012.00925.x
Rahman, S., Optom, B., Sengupta, R., & Optom, M. (2024). Modern workplace visual ergonomics: Approaches to minimize visual discomfort. Eur. Chem. Bull, 13, 263-269. https://doi.org/10.53555/ecb.v13:i6.17699
Sengsoon, P., Nuthong, N., Intaruk, R., Theppitak, C., Yeampattanaporn, O., Jianramas, N., ... & Yasmin, S. F. (2026). Digital Eye Strain from Digital Device Usage Among University Students: Prevalence and Associated Factors. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 23(5), 542. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23050542
Shah, M., Natarajan, S. B., & Ahmad, N. (2025). Excessive screen time exposure leads to dry eyes and inflammatory conjunctivitis in children. Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971-), 194(2), 597-602. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-025-03920-9
Sigamani, S., Majumder, C., & Sukumaran, S. (2022). Changes in accommodation with visual fatigue among digital device users. Medical hypothesis, discovery & innovation in optometry, 3(2), 63-69. https://doi.org/10.51329/mehdioptometry153
Singh, S., Keller, P. R., Busija, L., McMillan, P., Makrai, E., Lawrenson, J. G., ... & Downie, L. E. (2023). Blue‐light filtering spectacle lenses for visual performance, sleep, and macular health in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (8). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd013244.pub2
Tsang, S. M., Cheing, G. L., Lam, A. K., Siu, A. M., Pang, P. C., Yip, K. C., ... & Jensen, M. P. (2023). Excessive use of electronic devices among children and adolescents is associated with musculoskeletal symptoms, visual symptoms, psychosocial health, and quality of life: a cross-sectional study. Frontiers in public health, 11, 1178769. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1178769
Vettriselvan, R., Velmurugan, P. R., Varshney, K. R., EP, J., & Deepika, R. (2025). Health impacts of smartphone and internet addictions across age groups: Physical and mental health across generations. In Impacts of digital technologies across generations (pp. 187-210). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-6366-9.ch010
Wong, N. A., & Bahmani, H. (2022). A review of the current state of research on artificial blue light safety as it applies to digital devices. Heliyon, 8(8). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10282
Zaky, M. E., Elsayed, S. M., Alsadaan, N., Awad Ali, S. A., & Farghaly, S. M. (2026). Growing challenges in nursing education: prevalence and mediating role of computer vision syndrome in the relationship between visual fatigue and sleep disturbance among nursing students. BMC nursing, 25(1), 91. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-04167-6
Zayed, H. A. M., Saied, S. M., Younis, E. A., & Atlam, S. A. (2021). Digital eye strain: prevalence and associated factors among information technology professionals, Egypt. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28(20), 25187-25195. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-12454-3
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Magenta Journal De Healthymedi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
This journal provides direct open access to it's content on the principle that research is freely available to the public supporting a greater global exchange of knowledge. All articles published by Open Access will soon and forever be free for everyone to read and download. The license options defined for this journal are Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA)
