A Descriptive Study to Assess the Prevalence of Digital Eye Strain and Associated Self-Care Practices Among Nursing Students.

Background: Digital devices have become an integral part of nursing education, with students increasingly using smartphones, laptops, tablets and computers for learning, assignments, online classes, literature searches and communication. Prolonged screen exposure may be accompanied by digital eye strain and related ocular and musculoskeletal symptoms. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of digital eye strain among nursing students, evaluate associated self-care practices, explore associations with selected demographic and digital-device usage variables, and determine the relationship between digital eye strain and self-care practices. Methods: A quantitative descriptive study was conducted among 110 B.Sc. Nursing students of Sharda University, Greater Noida, using non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected with a structured self-administered questionnaire containing 32 items across five sections: socio-demographic characteristics, digital-device usage, symptoms of digital eye strain, self-care practices, and knowledge and awareness. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings; the study protocol also specified chi-square testing for applicable associations at p < 0.05. Results: Daily digital-device exposure was substantial: 87.3% of participants reported more than two hours of device use per day, while 58.2% reported more than four hours. The most frequently reported symptoms were headache after screen use (79.1%) and neck or shoulder pain (78.2%), followed by difficulty focusing (64.5%), eye strain/tired eyes (60.0%), burning sensation (60.0%), sensitivity to light (58.2%), excessive watering (56.4%), dry eyes (54.5%), blurred vision (51.8%) and eye redness (42.7%). Risk-related usage practices were common: 76.4% used devices in dark or low-light conditions and 82.7% used devices while lying down. Awareness was relatively high, with 73.6% aware of digital eye strain and 89.1% aware that prolonged screen use can affect eye health; however, preventive practices were less consistent. Only 22.7% regularly followed the 20-20-20 rule, 65.5% did not perform eye-relaxation exercises, and 72.7% did not use artificial tears or eye drops. Conclusions: The study identified a substantial burden of digital-device-related symptoms among the nursing students studied, together with a marked gap between knowledge and consistent self-care practice. Practical eye-health education, reinforcement of break routines and supportive learning environments may help students adopt healthier digital-device habits.