Effect of gadget use on student eyes health during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

The use of gadgets to support the learning process during this pandemic has become necessary, such as cellphones, tablets, laptops, and various other gadgets. The blue light on the gadget is one of the causes of asthenopia: tired eyes, symptoms of blurred vision, difficulty focusing, dry eyes, watery irritation, headaches, neck or back tension, and makes the mind tired quickly. This study aims to determine the impact of using gadgets on eye health and how to control it. The research design was cross-sectional in a purposive sample with a survey on 48 students of Universitas Widya Husada Semarang (UWHS) Semarang City Indonesia. Data was taken by surveying a sample of students who took part in online learning using gadgets in smartphones, laptops, and desktop computers. The greatest effect occurred in decreased visual acuity (76.7%) and the smallest on perceptual speed (37.5%). Negative effects were felt by students in the range of close to 50%, but a small number of students only felt effects with high severity. Measures to control the dangers of using gadgets are carried out by arranging gadget duration for learning purposes. © 2023 Author(s).