1. MUTAHIR SHAH - PhD Student, Lincoln University College, Malaysia.
2. SATHEESH BABU NATARAJAN - Associate Professor, Lincoln University College, Malaysia.
3. NAFEES AHMAD - Principal Scientist, Institute of Biomedical & Genetic Engineering, G9/1, Islamabad, Pakistan.
The study's aim was to find the association of astigmatism development with excessive screen time exposure in children aged 3-11 years. Methods: A prospective case-series study including six participants was conducted in Islamabad from November 2023 to May 2024. Clinical parameters, such as uncorrected and corrected visual acuity, astigmatism magnitude and orientation, exodeviation, and near point of convergence, were assessed using various tools including autorefractor, topography scan, prism cover test, and RAF rule. Analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test with a 95% confidence interval. Results: The daily mean screen time exposure of study participants was 5.50±1.90hrs (R=3-8). Astigmatism was mixed and with the rule in nature in all patients. The overall mean magnitude of astigmatism at presentation was -3.31±1.22D. The candidates were divided into two groups those who regulated their screen time to <2hrs a day along with average 90 minutes outdoor activities and those who did not regulate their screen time and outdoor activities. Participants regulating screen time to <2 hours/day and engaging in 90 minutes (about 1 and a half hours) of outdoor activities showed a significant reduction in astigmatism with a mean value of –0.67DC over a period of 3-6 months (p-value: 0.04, 0.02 respectively), while in participants having unregulated screen time led to a significant increase in astigmatism with a mean value of around –1.0DC (p-value: 0.02). The results were supported by a topographical map as well. Intermittent exotropia reduced from 14.00±2.19 to 8.75±2.78 PD after six months using convergence exercises. Conclusion: The results of this study point towards the association of excessive screen time with astigmatism and Exodeviation.
Astigmatism, Exodeviation, Screen Time, VA, Electronic Gadgets.