EFFECT OF SMARTPHONE USAGE ON REFRACTIVE ERRORS AND OCULAR HEALTH IN TEENAGERS

Background: The widespread adoption of smartphones has transformed communication and entertainment, particularly among teenagers. However, prolonged smartphone use has been associated with adverse effects on ocular health, including myopia and symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). As teenagers' visual systems are still developing, they are more susceptible to refractive errors and eye fatigue due to extended screen exposure. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between smartphone usage patterns, refractive errors, and ocular symptoms in teenagers. Objective: The study aimed to assess the impact of smartphone usage on refractive errors and ocular symptoms, focusing on the association between screen time duration and the prevalence of myopia and CVS-related symptoms in teenagers. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study included 200 participants aged 13–18 years. Smartphone usage was categorized as shorter use (<2 hours/day), intermediate use (2 hours/day), and excessive use (>2 hours/day). Continuous use was defined as screen time without breaks for 20 minutes or more. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, including information on smartphone habits, refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism), and ocular symptoms (headache, eye strain, redness, and inflammation). Comprehensive eye examinations, including visual acuity and refraction tests, were performed. Statistical analysis was used to determine the associations between smartphone usage patterns and ocular health outcomes (P ≤ 0.05). Results: Excessive smartphone users showed a higher prevalence of myopia (54 cases) compared to shorter users (5 cases). Headaches (51 cases), eye strain (50 cases), redness (16 cases), and inflammation (15 cases) were significantly more frequent in excessive users compared to shorter users (P ≤ 0.001). A significant association was observed between continuous smartphone use and multiple ocular symptoms, with 72% of continuous users reporting headaches and 70% experiencing eye strain (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: Excessive smartphone use is strongly associated with myopia progression and CVS symptoms in teenagers. The findings emphasize the need for preventive measures, including healthy screen habits, early screening for refractive errors, and regular visual breaks, to safeguard ocular health in this vulnerable population.