Prevalence of Digital Eye Strain Among University Students and Its Association with Virtual Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction: The prolonged use of digital devices is a major risk factor for digital eye strain (DES) syndrome. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of DES symptoms among students at Imam Abdulrahman University who use digital devices for virtual learning and leisure activities. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted by asking medical students of Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University to complete a self-administered online questionnaire. The questionnaire was used to determine the effect of the hours spent on digital devices and other factors, such as screen distance and not using artificial tears, on the development of DES. The severity (moderate or severe) and frequency (occasionally, always, or never) of 16 eye strain-related symptoms, including eye pain, headache, and itching, were evaluated by using the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of DES in the sample was found to be 68.53%. The largest proportion of students were found to have mild DES (43.20%), and only 11% had severe DES. The most common symptoms reported in our sample were headache, dryness, and burning. Female gender, using smartphones for online classes, and not using eye lubricants were significantly associated with increased severity of DES. Conclusion: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual learning has become an integral part of education, leading to increased use of digital technology. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of virtual learning on eye strain and to determine the prevalence and effects of DES. A questionnaire was administered to participants, and the findings revealed a DES prevalence of 68.53%. The use of eye drops for lubrication and smartphones for classes was significantly associated with DES. Furthermore, females were found to be more susceptible to severe DES symptoms than males. The development of a tool such as the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire to predict DES prevalence could reduce clinic time and resources by minimizing unnecessary follow-up and ophthalmology referrals.

Hoarseness among school teachers: A cross-sectional study from Dammam.

BACKGROUND: Voice disorders are known to be a serious occupational hazard for teachers. Compared to the general population, teachers have a greater risk of developing hoarseness of voice. The prevalence of voice disorders in teachers is 20%-50%. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no study in Saudi Arabia (SA) on the prevalence of hoarseness in teachers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 13 randomly selected schools at different levels of education in Khobar, SA, between February 2016 and March 2016. Data collected included demographic data, comorbidity, smoking, school type, laryngopharyngeal reflux, hearing problems, common cold, family history, number of students, and stress. The study included teachers who were actively teaching. Teachers with laryngeal cancer and those who were not actively teaching as well as those who were on sick leave were all excluded from the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: Out of 400 surveys distributed, 187 teachers responded; mean age of teachers was 42.5 years and 55.1% were females. The percentage of teachers who subjectively complained of hoarseness was 27%; teachers in public schools had a higher prevalence of hoarseness than teachers in private schools. The greater the number of students per class, the more likely it was for the teacher to develop hoarseness (P = 0.038). The factors statistically significantly associated with hoarseness included smoking, acid reflux, family history of hoarseness, and work-related stress. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of hoarseness in teachers is high owing to a combination of multiple associated factors, many of which can be controlled.