Digital eye health and behavioral determinants of screen use among university students in the UAE

Background The growing integration of digital technologies into daily life has heightened concerns over visual health, particularly among young adults with prolonged screen exposure, with digital eye strain (DES), dry eye disease (DED), and myopia becoming increasingly prevalent. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), evidence on screen use and ocular health among university students remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence of eye-related disorders, behavioral correlates of screen use, and preventive practices among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with implications for digital health and wellbeing interventions. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 463 undergraduate students from three universities in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. A validated self-administered questionnaire assessed demographics, device use, symptoms, and preventive practices (Cronbach's α = 0.78). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t -tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression. Results Overall, 35.4% of students reported a diagnosed eye disorder. The majority used digital devices for 4–6 h (43.2%) or 7–9 h (34.1%) daily, with smartphones being the most common. Frequent symptoms included headaches (43.8%), neck/back pain (38.2%), eye strain (37.6%), and dry eyes (37.1%). Symptom scores were higher among females ( p < 0.001) and those with ≥10 h of daily screen time ( p < 0.001). Logistic regression showed female gender (OR = 1.77), lack of blue light filter use (OR = 0.54), and infrequent breaks ( p = 0.013–0.037) as significant predictors. Conclusions Eye disorders and digital eye strain are prevalent among university students, reflecting behavioral patterns of prolonged and unregulated screen use.