What is it about?

This study investigates how prolonged use of digital screens is impacting the eye health of medical students in the United Arab Emirates. Digital Eye Strain (DES)—also known as Computer Vision Syndrome—causes symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and eye fatigue. Among the 209 students surveyed, over 92% reported experiencing at least one symptom. The most common were tired eyes, eye strain, and headaches. The study found that poor screen habits, such as sitting too close, not taking regular breaks, and ignoring simple eye-care rules like the 20-20-20 rule, were major contributing factors. Students with pre-existing conditions like myopia were more likely to experience severe symptoms. This research highlights the urgent need for better awareness and education on safe screen use among medical students.

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Why is it important?

This study is timely and essential, as it addresses a growing public health issue in academic settings. While digital devices are indispensable in modern education, their misuse has led to widespread eye strain—particularly among medical students, who spend long hours on screens under intense academic pressure. This research not only quantifies the scale of the problem but also identifies specific risk factors, including poor ergonomic habits and low awareness of preventive strategies. By drawing attention to these modifiable behaviors, this study provides a foundation for developing targeted interventions—such as ergonomic training, awareness campaigns, and curriculum integration—to promote healthier screen usage and reduce the risk of long-term eye health complications among students.

Perspectives

As medical educators and researchers, we have observed a sharp rise in complaints of eye fatigue and discomfort among students, especially during periods of extended screen use. These observations inspired us to formally assess the prevalence of digital eye strain and explore its root causes. What we discovered was both alarming and enlightening—nearly all students experienced symptoms, and many were unaware of simple, effective strategies to protect their eye health. We believe that by translating these findings into action—through institutional awareness, ergonomic education, and preventive habits—we can enhance both student well-being and academic performance. Our goal is to ensure that digital advancement in education does not come at the cost of health.

Tabish Wajih Siddiqui

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Digital Eye Strain: A Cross-sectional Study Among Undergraduate Medical Students in UAE, New Emirates Medical Journal, April 2025, Bentham Science Publishers,
DOI: 10.2174/0102506882361765250221072850.
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