Exposure to electronic gadgets and refractive errors among adolescents: A case–control study

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing use of electronic gadgets (e‑gadgets) has dramatically changed the adolescent lifestyle. There are rising concerns about the ill effects of the high usage of illuminated screens on vision, especially in adolescents. Objectives: The objective was to explore the pattern of e‑gadget use and its association with refractive errors (REs) among adolescents. Methods: A case–control study was carried out among adolescents attending a tertiary care hospital. Adolescents with REs (cases) were compared with those without REs (controls) based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two hundred matched adolescents (case‑to‑control ratio 1:1) were interviewed for exposure history to e‑gadget use and pattern. The Chi‑square test and odds ratio (OR) were calculated to find the association between e‑gadget use and REs. Results: Age (17.3 ± 3.4 vs. 16.8 ± 3.3 years) and gender distribution between cases and controls were comparable. The e‑gadget exposure among cases was higher than in controls (OR 1.4 P > 0.05); however, it is the duration of e‑gadget exposure for >5 years was significantly higher among the cases (OR 4.6 P < 0.05). During e‑gadget usage, sitting posture (OR 7.5 P < 0.05), poor lighting, indoor activity, and irregular sleep patterns were higher among cases. The purpose of using e‑gadgets was predominantly for social media and browsing in cases and the educational or reading purpose among controls. Conclusion: Lesser duration, correct posture, and proper purpose of exposure to e‑gadget are associated with lesser risk for REs. Results highlight the collective role of adolescents, parents, teachers, and doctors in education and lifestyle modification on e-gadget use.