Study Protocol: Evaluating Traditional Chinese Medicine and Palming Techniques for Digital Eye Strain Among Young Female Adults

Importance: Digital eye strain (DES), or computer vision syndrome, is increasingly prevalent due to extensive use of digital devices. Its symptoms—headache, eye burning, blurred vision, and fatigue—impact well-being and productivity. Innovative nonpharmacological treatments, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and palming techniques, require rigorous scientific validation to determine efficacy, especially among young female adults who face unique physiological challenges. Objective: To present the study protocol for evaluating the efficacy of TCM and palming techniques in reducing DES symptoms among young female adults. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized controlled trial involves 60 female adults aged 18–28 years, diagnosed with mild-to-moderate DES. Participants were recruited from Sant Hirdaram Medical College of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences for Women, Bhopal, and randomly allocated to three groups: TCM and palming (Group 1), palming only (Group 2), and a control group (Group 3). Interventions: Group 1 will receive TCM therapies and palming; Group 2 will receive palming alone; and Group 3 will receive no intervention. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes include DES severity (Digital Eye Strain Questionnaire), psychological well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index), and visual fatigue (Visual Fatigue Scale). Baseline assessments and follow-ups after 1 month were performed to measure changes. Results: Data collection and analysis are ongoing. This protocol presents the study hypotheses to be tested through empirical data collection. Conclusions and Relevance: This study aims to provide valuable evidence on the combined use of TCM therapies and palming techniques for DES management, enhancing nonpharmacological treatment approaches.