Effect of Smartphone use on Convergence among Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of smartphone usage on convergence among undergraduate students.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Duration and Setting of the Study: This study was conducted from July 2019 to December 2019 at Pakistan Institute of Community Ophthalmology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar.

Methods: A non-probability sampling technique was used to include students. The subjects were taken as per the inclusion criteria. Visual acuity was recorded with log MAR at 4 meters, and retinoscopy was performed to rule out refractive error in the subjects. The researcher asked the questions given in the structured questionnaire and recorded the responses. The near point of convergence was determined with the help of the RAF ruler. The Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) questionnaire was used to record the convergence insufficiency score.

Results: A total of 100 students participated, in which 49% were male and 51% were female. The use of Android smartphones was more (82%) than iOS (16%) and others (2%). Most of the subjects used smartphones during the night (54%). It also showed that hours spent on smartphones were interrupted (70%). Smartphone users used their smartphones with dull screens (62%). The near point of convergence was 5cm in (63%). CISS score was noted (>21) was noted in (73%) of students. There was a strong correlation between near point of convergence and CISS scores (p=0.000), with significant associations between smartphone usage patterns and convergence issues (p=0.02).

Conclusion: In this study it is concluded that those subjects whose usage of mobile was more than 4 hours had an excess of convergence along with worse symptoms. CISS scores indicated a high prevalence of symptoms, particularly among those with poor near point of convergence (NPC).