Abstract:
The increasing incidence of digital gadgets usage has escalated concerns regarding the
potential consequences on ocular as well as retinal health, among young adults. This
research study has evaluated the potential consequences of extensive screen time on visual
functioning along with its effects on retinal health, also focusing on the aesthenopic signs
and symptoms, refractive status, degree of myopia, binocular visual functioning and retinal
alterations. A cohort of 85 young adults 18-30 years of age was categorized based on their
average daily screen time. For the comprehensive ophthalmological assessments, Optical
Coherence Tomography (OCT) for measurement of the macula thickness, Worth Four Dot
Test for the assessment of degree of binocular vision functioning, and for Visual Acuity
assessment Snellen charts were used along with a detailed questionnaire. The results
suggested a significant correlation between excessively high screen time and prevalence of
aesthenopic symptoms i.e. eye strain, dryness of eyes, blur vision and headache.
Furthermore analysis, indicated noticeable trend toward decline of visual acuity and an
inclination in degree of myopia in individuals with higher screen time along with that this
study highlighted the potential influence of excessive exposure to screen time on binocular
visual functioning, with the findings underlying the compromised binocular vision
interlinked with excessive exposure to screen time. Furthermore, the thickness evaluation
of macula in the final step demonstrated the potential retinal alterations, which has raised
concerns regarding an early onset of macula thinning which ultimately highlighted cause
of early signs of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Hence, this research study
stated that the demand of awareness and proactive measures to limit as well as to mitigate
the detrimental effects of extended screen time on eye health, more dominantly in young
adults, who are more inclined to these escalating visual challenges.
