Association of myopia with screen time use in pediatric patients in a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia

• DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.160914.1
• Publication Date: 2025-01-30T16:35:10Z
• Authors: Noura AL Mulhim; Maiadah AlFares; Shahd AlMehrij; Farah Al Haidar; Manar AlOmair; Reem AlMutairi; Rafeef Abalkhail; Nazish Rafique; Rabia Latif; Lubna Al-Asoom
• Keywords: Open peer review; Tertiary care; Tertiary level; Association (psychology)

<ns3:p>Background Pediatric myopia is a growing global public health concern, exacerbated by the increasing screen time among children, who spend more on devices for both entertainment and education. Understanding link between media use crucial promoting children’s long-term eye mitigating burden of myopia. Methods The study was retrospective design that investigated 94 complete medical records myopic patients had attended pediatric ophthalmology clinic at King Fahad University Hospital (KFUH) in Saudi Arabia November 2021 2023. Data cleaned, coded analyzed using SPSS version 20 to obtain important insights. Results results revealed statistically significant difference total age groups (4–6 years, 7–9 10–12 years), with p-value 0.021. most commonly used children were smartphones (98.9%) laptops (87.2%). Regression analysis indicated differences based first (smartphones, tablets, laptops) not (p =0.196). Additionally, found association patients’ age, which they diagnosed myopia, their category = 0.030 p 0.005, respectively). Conclusion established patients, significantly age. Smartphones children. These findings highlight need understand relationship order develop evidence-based guidelines managing time, protecting from adverse effects exposure, overall well-being.</ns3:p>