Progression of myopia in school-aged children after COVID-19 home confinement: A systematic review

Abstract

The systematic review attempts to examine all the data concerning digital screen use's influence on myopia development in a COVID-19 epidemic.: The literature was searched on PubMed and Science Direct from December 2019 to September 2022. Using the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, a total of 12 research papers were chosen for thorough evaluation after the exclusion criteria. Spherical equivalent refraction and axial length were outcomes of myopia progression. Time spent using digital devices and time spent exercising outside were examined as factors. Greater stress, increased use of electronic gadgets like laptops, tablets, and cell phones, as well as less time spent outside, have all been linked to an increase in the prevalence of myopia. Additionally, we discovered that the COVID-19 pandemic's commencement significantly changed children's behaviors since there was a switch from in-person instruction to online learning and a decline in outdoor activities because of home quarantine. : In children who participated in remote learning during the COVID-19 lockdown, increased reliance on digital devices for online classes has either caused or worsened visual disturbances like the rapid progression of myopia, symptoms of dry eye and visual fatigue, and vergence and accommodation disturbances. The outcomes of this methodical study show that myopia development is significantly impacted using digital screens during the COVID-19 pandemic.