Abstract
Background: The widespread use of smartphones, particularly among students, has raised concerns about its potential impact on eye health. As people increasingly rely on mobile devices, understanding the patterns of use and their effects on ocular health is crucial. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, patterns, and consequences of smartphone use on eye health among university students, identifying potential risks and informing strategies for mitigation.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 287 Allied Health Science students who were selected via random sampling. The study aimed to assess the impact of smartphone usage on ocular health among Allied Health Science students. Comprehensive data on bio-demographics and visual manifestations were collected using a self-administered, structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 to evaluate associations between smartphone use and ocular symptoms.
Results: A total of 278 undergraduate allied health science students participated in the study, with a mean age of 21.67 ± 1.42 years. Most students (57.2%) started using smartphones at 16–18 years of age, and 50.72% reported daily use of 5–8 hours. The majority (93.9%) used smartphones for multiple purposes. Eye discomfort was reported by 77.34% of participants, occurring mostly on an occasional basis (56.47%). Common ocular symptoms included blurred vision (23.74%) and itching (19.06%). Vision problems were present in 31.7% of students, with myopia being the most frequent (24.1%). About 30.22% of participants reported worsening of eye problems with increased smartphone use.
Conclusion: This study reveals a high prevalence of smartphone use among health science students, with 57.2% starting use between 16-18 years and 50.72% spending 5-8 hours daily on devices. Eye discomfort was reported by 77.34%, with common symptoms including blurring vision (23.74%) and itching (19.06%). Vision problems were present in 32% (myopia 24.1%, Hypermetropia 6.1%). Awareness campaigns on safe smartphone practices and regular eye examinations are recommended to mitigate ocular health risks.