DefinePK

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of asthenopic symptoms among digital screen users in Muzaffargarh, Pakistan. A total of 97 participants were surveyed, with 66% reporting at least one symptom of digital eye strain. The most commonly reported symptoms were eye discomfort (52%), blurred vision (45%), dry eyes (38%), and headaches (42%). A significant positive correlation was observed between daily screen time and asthenopic symptoms (p < 0.001), with those using screens for more than six hours per day experiencing higher symptom rates. Additionally, environmental and behavioral factors, including poor lighting conditions (p = 0.017), improper screen positioning (p = 0.01), and the use of blue light filters (p = 0.004), were found to affect symptom prevalence significantly. Furthermore, reduced blinking (p = 0.009), multitasking (p = 0.003), and high caffeine consumption (p = 0.012) were associated with increased visual discomfort. Gender differences were noted, with females reporting more frequent headaches and dry eyes than males, though the overall difference in symptom prevalence was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of asthenopia, suggesting that both environmental and behavioral modifications could reduce the prevalence and severity of digital eye strain among screen users.