Digital eye strain prevalence reaches 51.6% in seniors, study finds

Digital eye strain (DES) is highly prevalent among older adults who use digital devices, with 51.6% of participants affected, according to a study. The research emphasizes the need for optometrists to provide tailored advice to help mitigate DES symptoms, particularly given its link to dry eye.

The study involved 401 participants aged 60 and above, all of whom used digital devices for at least one hour daily. Researchers assessed device usage patterns, types of devices used, and vision adequacy for reading and screen activities. Results showed that 71% of participants reported experiencing DES symptoms, with women scoring higher on the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) than men.

On average, participants used devices for four hours daily, with smartphones being the most commonly used and tablets accounting for the longest usage duration. Single vision spectacles were the most frequently employed visual aid for screen use. Of note, individuals with better visual acuity used devices for longer periods compared to those with poorer acuity.

Reference
Moore PA, Wolffsohn JS, Sheppard AL. Digital eye strain and clinical correlates in older adults. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2024;102349. doi: 10.1016/j.clae.2024.102349. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39672690.