Influence of the use of computers and smartphones on the appearance of refractive errors in students at Universidade Lúrio, 2021-2022

Abstract

Context: Computers and smartphones are digital devices, important for academic, professional and personal life, they emit optical radiations that result in ocular symptoms, which can cause refractive errors. Objective: To analyze the influence of the use of computers and smartphones on the appearance of refractive errors in UniLúrio students, 2021-2022. Methodology: A basic, descriptive study with a quantitative approach. Information was obtained through an adapted questionnaire and application of a refractive test. Population universe consisted of 1682 students from UniLúrio, with a sample of 244. Stratified probability sampling was applied. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics (frequency, mean and standard deviation) were used in the description to test the hypothesis of inferential statistics (multinomial logistic regression) with significance lower than 0.05. Results: 244 students participated, 159 (65.2%) male and 85 (34.8%) female, aged 17-35 years. All participants used digital devices, 62 (25.41%) used the device more than 5 hours a day, 70 (28.69%) used it at a distance of 20-30 cm, 171 (70.08%) accessed the device more than 4x/day, and 128 (52.46%) used it in dark environments. The most prevalent symptoms were eyestrain 154 (63.1%), photophobia 135 (55.4%), eye pain 110 (45.1%), blurred vision 103 (42%), headache 81 (33.2%) and feeling of dryness 75 (30.7%). It was found that 43 (17.62%) are emmetropia, 119 (48.77%) have astigmatism, 64 (26.23%) myopia and 18 (7.38%) hyperopia. The predisposing factors, time of use, rest time, frequency of use, use in dark environments and the reduction of blinking, present a p > 0.05, for hypermetry and astigmatism, for myopia, the reduction of blinking presents p = 0.04; OR = 4.34, which has a significant influence on the appearance of Myopia. Conclusion: The use of computers and smartphones at inadequate viewing distances, prolonged exposure without regular rests and reduced blinking predisposes the appearance of ocular symptoms and visual problems such as refractive error.