P-588 the Impact of Display Screen Use on Visual Function at an Early Age

Introduction As the use of smartphones and other digital devices becomes an integral part of modern life, it is increasingly common to witness children engaging with these devices at younger ages and for extended periods. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated this trend, significantly impacting the way children interact with technology. This study aims to evaluate visual function and lacrimal volume in preschool-aged children and explore possible correlations with the age of screen usage initiation and daily screen time. Methods 68 children aged between 3 and 6 years (4.676+-0.701 years) were included in the study. All participants underwent a visual examination, evaluation of the lacrimal volume and the ScreenQ for measuring digital media use. The symptoms presented by the children were also evaluated. Results Three children (4.4%) exhibited negative stereopsis due to a manifest strabismus and eighteen participants (26.5%) showed an uncorrected refractive error (especially myopia). Concerning the meniscometry test, we found a mean value of 6.838+-2.366mm. The visual symptoms most reported by children were increased sensitivity to light (39.7%), foreign body sensation (27.9%) and eye burning (20.6%). We found a daily screen usage time of 1.875+-1.052h and a starting age of 20.794+-13.564months. Interestingly, we found a significant correlation between the lacrimal volume and the daily screen time (r=-0.305;p=0.0110). Discussion and Conclusion There is a visible impact on visual health and symptoms presented by children with the use of electronic devices. Striking a balance between screen use and other activities, namely outdoor activities can help promote healthy visual development and reduce the risk of myopia development.