BACKGROUND
Uncorrected refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, are among the top causes of visual impairment. Thus, it is of great importance to investigate the underlying risk factors for these refractive errors. However, there is limited inconclusive evidence suggesting that using digital display devices may increase the risk of developing refractive errors.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to investigate the possible association between excessive smartphone use and refractive errors.
METHODS
A total of 4886 individuals (3054 females and 1824 males; mean age = 42.63 ± 8.10) participated in this cross-sectional study. Each participant underwent a thorough eye examination in order to investigate whether each individual was suffering from myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. To attain information about the pattern of smartphone dependency, "Smartphone Addiction Scale" questionnaire was used. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was used to compare the groups and explore the association between smartphone addiction and refractive errors.
RESULTS
Of all the participants who underwent the examination, 28.2%, 7.9%, and 37.2% were diagnosed with myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, respectively. Age was associated with myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism; however, higher levels of education was only associated with myopia. After adjustment for age, gender, and level of education, it was demonstrated that severe dependency on smartphones was associated with myopia (adjusted OR: 1.513, CI: 1.128 - 2.028) suggesting that using digital display devices overuse can be associated with myopia. No such association was observed between smartphone usage and hyperopia or astigmatism.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on this study's results, excessive use of smartphones is associated with myopia. Given the fact that refractive errors are a huge burden on the healthcare system and society, it seems that more investigation should be made in order to lessen the harmful impacts of using smartphones especially myopia.