Development of a Pediatric Digital Eye Strain Questionnaire

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. "