Digital Eye Strain as a Global Problem Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

We have recently read an article that surprised us with its results. Basnet et al. [1] conducted research on the incidence of digital eye strain during the COVID-19 pandemic. The occurrence of this type of symptoms in almost 95% of the respondents extremely shocked us [1]. We decided to explore this topic because we believe it is a global problem. Patient education is needed on how to reduce the risk factors associated with eye strain and assistance in alleviating the unpleasant symptoms of this condition. As a result of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, interpersonal contacts in both school, professional and private spheres were replaced by an alternative way, i.e. electronic connections. This has forced many people to spend most of their time in front of computer and mobile phone screens. A set of symptoms characterized by bothersome eye symptoms resulting from long-term use of various types of screens at a very short distance from the eyes is called Digital Eye Strain (DES). These include burning or pain in the eye, tearing, foreign body sensation and redness [1-3].