Progression of Myopia among youngsters due to increase screen time during COVID-19

Progression of Myopia among youngsters during COVID-19

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the progression of myopia due to increase screen time during Covid 19.

STUDY SESIGN: It was a Comparative cross sectional study

PLACE & DURATION OF STUDY:The study was conducted in the ophthalmology department of a tertiary care hospital  from December 2019  till  June  2022.

 METHODOLOGY:There were 202 patients. Myopic patients with a spherical equivalent ≤ -0.5D were included.A detailed history regarding daily screen time, type of smart digital device and time spent in outdoor activities before and during Covid 19 was recorded. Previous myopic corrections and present correction were recorded. Magnitude of myopic progression was calculated from the difference between the two records and graded.

RESULTS:

 A total number of patients in this study were 202, with 117 (57.9%) males. Mean age was 13.97±4.19 SD years. Students were 179 (88.6). More than one gadget was used by 156 (77.2%) patients with mean follow up of 12.41±4.02 SD months. Mean pre covid myopia  in right eye was 2.75±2.02 D and left eye was 2.83±2.14 D. Mean myopia  during covid in right eye was 3.36±2.12 D and left eye was 3.45±2.26 D with a p value<0.001. Majority of the patients had mild progression of myopia in right eye i.e. 134(66.3%) and left eye in 132 (65.3%) patients.

CONCLUSION: The progression of myopia is related to an increase in screen time among youngsters during covid 19. There was mild myopia progression in most of the patients. Progression was more marked in female gender as compared to males and more marked in students as compared to employed.