Impact of Precautionary Lockdown Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Development of Digital Eye Strain Among Contact Lens Users

Abstract

Strict lockdown measures were implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which increased the reliance on digital electronic devices in the performance of daily living activities. The extensive use of digital devices was associated with the development of digital eye strain (DES) symptoms, which is more prevalent in contact lens (CL) wearers. This study aimed to investigate the number of hours spent on digital devices and the incidence of associated symptoms in CL wearers during a 24-h lockdown. This cross-sectional study used a self-reported questionnaire to obtain the following data: a) demographic information, b) CL wear profile, c) CL wear during the lockdown, d) total number of hours spent on digital devices, and e) 15 DES-related symptoms. A total of 82 CL wearers (29.6 ± 10.8 years; 88%, female) were recruited. The median total number of hours spent on digital devices during the lockdown was 10. The number of hours spent on smartphones significantly increased during the lockdown compared to that before the lockdown (5.5 VS 7 hours; p = 0.000). DES was reported in 83% of participants. The most common reported symptoms were eye strain (50%), dryness (48%), and headache (40%). The majority of participants (56%) continued wearing their CL during the lockdown. The incidence of DES was significantly higher in participants who were highly engaged with digital devices compared to the less engaged participants during the lockdown (p = 0.001). Prolonged use of digital devices increases the risk of DES-related symptoms in CL wearers. Intervention strategies for CL wearers may be important in optimizing the use of digital devices and decreasing the risk of DES-related symptoms.