Journal of Medicine and Health Research

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of electronic devices for online education and recreation has increased dramatically. This research intends to measure the prevalence of digital eye fatigue, characterize device usage patterns, and identify risk factors for eye fatigue. This online survey assessed 165 responses from students enrolled in online English classes at Universitas Negeri Medan. Using a previously validated survey, the digital eye fatigue score was determined. Using Chi-square analysis, the relationship between device use and ocular fatigue was explored. 58 respondents used their devices for extended periods of time and reported experiencing fatigue while studying online; 22 respondents used their devices for 2 hours, 3 respondents for 2-3 hours, 5 respondents for >3-4 hours, 4 respondents for > 4-6 hours, 23 respondents for >6-8 hours, and 1 respondent for >8 hours. Those respondents who frequently used electronic gadgets without suffering from eye fatigue. 43 respondents reported using their device for 2 hours, 30 respondents for 2-3 hours, 20 respondents for > 3-4 hours, 3 respondents for > 4-6 hours, 9 respondents for > 6-8 hours, and 2 respondents for > 8 hours. In the English Department of Universitas Negeri Medan, if the Chi-Square result has a P value of 0 and a significance of 0.05, then the conclusion H1 is that prolonged gadget use causes eye tiredness. People must be taught on the importance of reducing overall screen exposure and adopting ergonomic viewing techniques. Officials should limit the length of online classes for students and online work hours for professionals in order to fight this epidemic of eye fatigue.