Study of Effect of Chronic Use of Mobile Phones on Visual Evoked Potential in the Young-Adult Population

A BSTRACT Purpose: The current study was taken up to investigate the effects of chronic mobile phone use on visual system, both in terms of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and screen-time exposure, with the use of visual evoked potential (VEP). The objectives of the study were as follows: (1) To evaluate the VEP changes in mobile phone users by calculating the amplitudes and latencies of all the VEP waves. (2) To correlate the VEP changes if any, with call duration. (3) To correlate the VEP changes if any, with screen time. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 30 healthy subjects of either sex in the age group of 18–28 years. Pattern reversal visual evoked potential (PRVEP) was recorded for each eye in all the subjects. The subjects were divided into groups based on average daily call duration and screen time, and VEP parameters were compared between the groups. Results: The study found a statistically significant ( P < 0.05) increase in mean latencies of P100 and N75 waves of both eyes and N135 waves of the left eye in groups with greater call duration. In groups with greater screen time, there was a statistically significant ( P < 0.05) increase in mean latency of P100 wave of both eyes. Conclusion: Chronic use of mobile phones, both in terms of EMR and screen-time exposure, was associated with significant changes in VEP.