Preventive Measures and Extent of Eye Strain among Nursing Students in Private College of Nursing

Abstract

Background: Eye strain has become a common health problem among nursing students due to increased use of digital devices and long study hours. Understanding preventive measures is important to promote eye health, improve academic performance, and reduce visual discomfort among students. Aims: This study investigated the relationship between preventive practices and the extent of Digital Eye Strain (DES) among student nurses. It specifically explored whether current ergonomic and behavioral interventions significantly mitigate ocular fatigue within a demanding clinical and academic framework, addressing a critical gap in student occupational health. Study Design: A descriptive-correlational research design. Place and Duration of Study: Iloilo Doctor’s College, Iloilo City, Philippines, Academic Year 2025-2026. Methodology: Utilizing stratified random sampling, 325 nursing students across four year levels were enrolled. Data were gathered via a validated online survey assessing demographic profiles, frequency of preventive behaviors, and DES symptom severity. Ethical protocols were strictly maintained, with institutional clearance and informed consent obtained from all participants. Results: The cohort was predominantly female (72.9%), with nearly half (46.2%) reporting 7-10 hours of daily digital exposure. Students demonstrated a moderate engagement in preventive measures (m=2.19 out of 3), prioritizing environmental modifications like screen temperature adjustment over pharmacological options. The reported extent of DES was moderate (m=2.44 out of 4), characterized primarily by light sensitivity and halos. Spearman’s rho revealed a statistically significant but very low positive correlation (  = 0.147; p=.008) between preventive practices and DES levels. This weak association critically indicates that while practices are present, they are insufficient or applied too inconsistently to provide substantial clinical relief. Conclusion: The study identifies a significant “knowledge-pratice gap”, where moderate preventive efforts fail to translate into a meaningful reduction of DES. These findings highlight the need to move beyond individual student responsibility toward eye-health education, such as the 20-20-20 rule, into the nursing curriculum and developing campus wide digital wellness initiatives to protect the long-term ocular health of future healthcare professionals.