Loading...
Journal Title
Readers/Advisors
Journal Title
Term and Year
Publication Date
2024
Book Title
Publication Volume
Publication Issue
Publication Begin
Publication End
Number of pages
Collections
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
"Objectives: The aim of the present study was to create a valid and reliable method of determining to what extent children experience symptoms of digital eye strain (DES).
Methods: The initial version of the pediatric digital eye strain questionnaire was developed using a literature review, consultation with experts and a pretest performed on 6-8-year-olds. A pilot test using a revised version of the questionnaire was performed on 70 6-12-year-old participants. Content validity was established by discussion with an expert. Construct validity was evaluated by performance of the pediatric DES questionnaire and the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) by optometry students. Test-retest repeatability was tested using Bland Altman analysis and a significant cutoff score was established using the linear regression equation to determine the value equivalent to the previously assigned cutoff for the CVS-Q of 6.
Results: The questionnaire evaluated 12 DES symptoms’ frequency in a simple, self-administrable method. The mean total score of the pilot test was 7. 45% of the participants in the pilot test had a significant score for DES. The questionnaire had excellent test-retest repeatability and construct validity r=0.81 (p<0.001). No significant correlation was found between the reported total number of hours of screen time per week and the total symptom score (r = 0.30, p = 0.47).
Conclusions: This study indicates that almost half of children may be experiencing adverse ocular symptoms associated with screen use. The questionnaire provides a valid and reliable method for identification of DES symptoms in children ages 6-12 years. Optometrists, pediatricians and parents alike may find use for this questionnaire to evaluate for digital eye strain in children.
"