ASSOCIATION OF DIGITAL EYE STRAIN WITH SLEEP DISTURBANCES AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS IN YOUNG ADULTS

Povzetek

Background:Cases of Digital Eye Strain (DES) have been on the increase amongst young adults as a result of the excessive use of digital devices. Eye fatigue, dryness, blurred vision, and headaches are some of the symptoms that can have a negative impact on the quality of sleep and psychological health. The study of the correlation between DES and sleep disturbances and psychological stress is critical to the development of preventive measures for this group.

Objectives: to determine the dependence of digital eye strain on sleep disorders and psychological stress in young adults, as well as to determine the main risk factors that contribute to the results.

Methodology:It was cross-sectional study on a sample of 100 young adults (1830 years old). The participants were made to fill a structured questionnaire that contained the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) on DES, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) containing sleep disturbances, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) on psychological stress. Demographic, daily screen time and ergonomic habits data were gathered. The statistical analysis was done with SPSS 26. The descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic and clinical aspects. Chi-square, Pearson and multivariate logistic regression were used to examine associations between DES, sleep quality, and stress. A p-value, which was less than 0.05, was significant.

Results: The mean age of participants was 23.6 ± 3.2 years. DES was reported in 68%, with eye fatigue (55%), dryness (48%), and blurred vision (36%) as the most common symptoms. Poor sleep quality was observed in 62%, and high psychological stress in 58% of participants. High DES scores were significantly associated with poor sleep (mean PSQI: 7.3 ± 2.1 vs 4.5 ± 1.8; p<0.001) and elevated stress (mean PSS: 21.4 ± 4.6 vs 15.7 ± 3.9; p<0.001). Daily screen time >6 hours increased the risk of DES, poor sleep, and stress (p=0.002). Multivariate analysis confirmed DES as an independent predictor of sleep disturbances (OR=2.6; 95% CI 1.5–4.5; p<0.001) and stress (OR=2.3; 95% CI 1.3–4.1; p=0.003).

Conclusion :DES is common in adult youth and strongly linked with sleep disturbances and psychological stress. They can be alleviated by reducing the amount of screen time, engaging in ergonomics, and enhancing sleep hygiene. Education and lifestyle changes are presented as necessary in order to improve eye and general health.