Risk Of Developing Cell Phone Vision Syndrome Among College Students: A Study on Smartphone Usage

Background - The growing reliance on electronic devices has raised concerns about their impact on eye health. However, there is a lack of research specifically examining the effects of prolonged screen exposure on young college students, particularly regarding cell phone vision syndrome. Materials and Methods - This study investigated 52 students aged 19–21 (average age 19.92 years) as part of a broader study on self-esteem, personality, and behavior among WhatsApp users and non-users. Participants were selected through simple random sampling, and informed consent was obtained. Data was collected using a well-structured, pretested questionnaire. Results and Discussion - Findings revealed that 69.23 % (38/52) of students used smartphones for at 01-03 hours daily, primarily for texting and browsing (83%, 25/). Most students preferred a white screen background (73%, 22/52) with black text (70%, 21/52), and a viewing distance of more than 25 cm (66%, 20/52). Among the participants, 83% (25/52) reported experiencing symptoms, with 44% (11/25) suffering from eye strain. Conclusion - The frequent and prolonged use of smartphones at close distances has become common among college students. As digital technology continues to evolve with more applications, screen time is expected to increase. It is crucial to educate users on safe digital interactions and promote awareness of healthy eye care habits