Comparison of visual-evoked potential parameters and prevalence of eye strain symptoms among electronic device users with varying screen time

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of varying screen time durations on visual-evoked potential (VEP) parameters and the prevalence of eye strain symptoms in young adults using electronic devices. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 60 healthy participants aged 18–25 years at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur. Based on self-reported daily screen time, participants were divided into three groups: Group A (<4 h/day), Group B (4–7 h/day) and Group C (>7 h/day). Pattern reversal VEPs were recorded monocularly, and latencies of N75, P100 and N145 components were measured. Eye strain symptoms and screen usage details were collected through structured interviews. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v26.0, with P < 0.05 considered significant. Results: A significant increase in P100 latency was observed with prolonged screen time. Mean P100 latency in the left eye increased from 109.68 ± 8.46 ms in Group A to 122.13 ± 9.98 ms in Group C ( P = 0.0044), and in the right eye from 110.89 ± 8.55 ms to 120.24 ± 9.75 ms ( P = 0.016). N145 latency showed a non-significant upward trend across groups. Eye strain symptoms such as dryness, headache and visual discomfort were reported by 88.3% of participants. Those with symptoms reported significantly longer screen time ( P = 0.0071) compared to asymptomatic individuals. Conclusion: Prolonged screen exposure is associated with prolonged P100 latency and more frequent eye strain symptoms in healthy young adults. These findings suggest the need for early electrophysiological screening and public health measures to raise awareness about the visual impacts of excessive screen use.