Assessment of Digital Screen Use on Pediatric Dry Eye Disease in a Tertiary Eye Care Hospital, Rawalpindi

Abstract

Background: DED is widespread in all age groups, including children. However, in Pakistan, research on the clinical presentation and severity of DED in pediatric populations is scarce. Objectives: A study at a Rawalpindi eye hospital aimed to assess the effect of digital screen use on pediatric DED in children aged 3-12. Methodology: A study at Al-Shifa Eye Trust Hospital in Rawalpindi surveyed 377 participants aged 3-12 to assess the association between digital screen use and pediatric dry eye disease (DED). Demographics, screen habits, and DED prevalence were analyzed through a questionnaire, with chi-square tests exploring the relationship between digital screen exposure and pediatric DED occurrence. Results: Sociodemographic analysis: 40% aged 20-30, 35% aged 31-40; 40% with bachelor's degrees, 60% employed indoors. Average 2.5 children; 60% had nearby parks, 30% in joint families. Among children: 30% aged 6-8, balanced gender distribution. Notably, 15% spent >3 hours outdoors on holidays, 30% watched TV >3 hours on school days, and 25% used smartphones >3 hours on holidays; 20% used smartphones >3 hours on school days, with 70% supervised. Prevalence of dry eye symptoms: 30% dryness, 24% redness, 20% burning sensation, 16% itching. Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations, particularly among 6-8 and 9-11 age groups and males. No significant association found between age/gender and symptoms, but a link observed between pediatric DED and screen use (χ² = 4.169, p = 0.020). Conclusion: The study confirmed a link between digital screen use and pediatric dry eye disease (DED) in children aged 3-12, underscoring the importance of screen time regulation. Key words: Pediatric DED, Digital Screen Usage, Descriptive statistics, Inferential statistics.