DIGITAL EYE STRAIN SYNDROME IN CHILDREN UNDER INCREASING DIGITAL LOAD (A LITERATURE REVIEW)
Keywords:
digital eye strain; children; visual fatigue; screen time; preventionAbstract
With the rapid increase in digital load among children, especially following the shift to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of digital eye strain (DES) has risen significantly. This literature review aims to systematize recent scientific data (2022–2024) on the prevalence, etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, risk factors, and prevention strategies related to DES in children. The analysis is based on six relevant review articles selected from the PubMed and PMC databases, including systematic and narrative reviews. According to the reviewed studies, the prevalence of DES in children ranges from 20% to 60%, with the most common symptoms being eye dryness, burning, headaches, visual fatigue, and blurred vision. Key pathophysiological mechanisms include accommodative strain, reduced blink rate, and tear film instability. Identified risk factors comprise prolonged use of digital devices (more than 3 hours per day), poor posture, inadequate lighting, lack of breaks, sleep disturbances, and reduced outdoor activity. DES may also coexist with other visual impairments such as myopia, accommodative dysfunctions, and dry eye syndrome. Prevention should involve maintaining visual hygiene, implementing the 20-20-20 rule, optimizing screen use conditions, conducting regular ophthalmologic examinations, and promoting educational initiatives for parents and educators. The findings highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach to reducing the burden of digital eye strain in children and underscore the need for further research using objective assessment methods.
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