Digital Eye Strain (DES)DES-OLRWNCT07707908
Digital Eye Strain in Online Learning and Remote Work Environments: A Systematic Review
An observational study of Digital Eye Strain (DES) and Computer Vision Syndrome, run by Benha University at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
This systematic review aims to evaluate the prevalence of digital eye strain (DES) among individuals engaged in online learning and remote work, identify associated demographic, behavioral, environmental, and ocular risk factors, and summarize evidence regarding preventive and therapeutic management strategies. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Any ageHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Digital Eye Strain (DES), Computer Vision Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Systematic Literature Review
- How many people
- 8,972 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 1 Feb 2025to 23 Jun 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages Any age
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Study population: The study population consists of participants included in published studies evaluating digital eye strain among individuals engaged in online learning or remote work, including school and university students, educators, office employees, and other adults using digital devices for prolonged periods.
Who may be able to join
- Published observational studies (cross-sectional, cohort, or case-control) and interventional studies.
- Studies involving individuals participating in online learning or remote work.
- Studies reporting the prevalence, risk factors, severity, or management of digital eye strain (computer vision syndrome).
- Studies published in English.
- Publications from January 2020 onward.
- Full-text articles available for review.
Who cannot join
- Case reports and case series.
- Editorials, commentaries, letters, conference abstracts, and narrative reviews.
- Studies unrelated to online learning or remote work.
- Animal or laboratory studies.
- Duplicate publications.
- Studies with insufficient data for extraction.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Digital Eye Strain in Online Learning and Remote Work Environments: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Management Strategies-A Systematic Review
This systematic review aims to evaluate the prevalence of digital eye strain (DES) among individuals engaged in online learning and remote work, identify associated demographic, behavioral, environmental, and ocular risk factors, and summarize evidence regarding preventive and therapeutic management strategies. Electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for relevant studies published from January 2020 onward. Eligible studies included observational and interventional studies involving online learners or remote workers that reported the prevalence, risk factors, or management of DES. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Where appropriate, quantitative synthesis using a random-effects meta-analysis was planned; otherwise, findings were synthesized narratively. The review is intended to provide evidence-based recommendations for reducing the burden of digital eye strain in educational and occupational settings characterized by prolonged digital device use.
Read the detailed description
Digital eye strain (DES), also known as computer vision syndrome, has become an increasingly important public health concern due to the widespread use of digital devices in education and the workplace. The rapid expansion of online learning and remote work, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, has substantially increased daily screen exposure among students and employees, leading to a higher prevalence of visual and ocular symptoms.
DES encompasses a range of symptoms including eye fatigue, dryness, burning sensation, blurred vision, headache, diplopia, neck pain, and shoulder discomfort. These symptoms result from multiple interacting factors, including prolonged accommodation, decreased blink rate, tear film instability, poor ergonomics, improper viewing distance, glare, inadequate lighting, and prolonged uninterrupted screen use. The condition may adversely affect quality of life, academic performance, workplace productivity, and overall well-being.
The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize the current evidence regarding the prevalence of digital eye strain among individuals participating in online learning and remote work, identify associated risk factors, and evaluate available preventive and therapeutic management strategies.
The review included observational studies (cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control) and interventional studies involving online learners or remote workers published in English from January 2020 onward. Studies were identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles according to predefined eligibility criteria, extracted study data, and assessed methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklists for observational studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool for interventional studies.
Extracted data included study characteristics, participant demographics, sample size, duration of screen exposure, methods used to assess digital eye strain, prevalence estimates, identified risk factors, evaluated interventions, and principal findings. A narrative synthesis summarized the available evidence, while quantitative meta-analysis using a random-effects model was planned when sufficient homogeneous data were available. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test and the I² statistic.
The findings of this review are expected to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the current literature, identify modifiable risk factors, summarize evidence-based preventive and therapeutic approaches, and support recommendations for educational institutions, employers, healthcare professionals, and policy makers aimed at reducing the burden of digital eye strain among digital device users.
- Conditions
- Digital Eye Strain (DES), Computer Vision Syndrome
- Being tested
- Systematic Literature Review
- Keywords
- Digital Eye Strain, Computer Vision Syndrome, Online Learning, Screen Time
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Systematic Literature ReviewOther
Systematic identification, selection, appraisal, and synthesis of published studies evaluating digital eye strain in online learning and remote work environments. No intervention was administered directly to participants.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Published Studies on Digital Eye Strain | This cohort consists of published observational and interventional studies included in a systematic review evaluating the prevalence, risk factors, and management strategies for digital eye strain among individuals engaged in online learning and remote work. Receives: Other: Systematic Literature Review |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Proportion of Participants with Digital Eye Strain
To estimate the pooled prevalence of digital eye strain among individuals engaged in online learning and remote work using data extracted from eligible published studies included in the systematic review and meta-analysis.
Measured: Baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Jul 2026
- Study start1 Feb 2025
- Primary completion15 May 2026
- Study completion23 Jun 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Digital Eye Strain (DES)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 8,972 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Benha University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ehab Mohamed Elsayed Mohamed Saad, Benha University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07707908
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Ophth_110_2025_DES_SR
- Acronym
- DES-OLRW
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 10 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 16 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 16 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Digital Eye Strain in Online Learning and Remote Work Environments: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Management Strategies-A Systematic Review
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07707908
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- DES-OLRW / Ophth_110_2025_DES_SR
- Conditions
- Digital Eye Strain (DES), Computer Vision Syndrome
- Keywords
- Digital Eye Strain, Computer Vision Syndrome, Online Learning, Screen Time
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 8,972 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Benha UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 23 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 16 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This systematic review aims to evaluate the prevalence of digital eye strain (DES) among individuals engaged in online learning and remote work, identify associated demographic, behavioral, environmental, and ocular risk factors, and summarize evidence regarding preventive and therapeutic management strategies. Electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for relevant studies published from January 2020 onward. Eligible studies included observational and interventional studies involving online learners or remote workers that reported the prevalence, risk factors, or management of DES. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Where appropriate, quantitative synthesis using a random-effects meta-analysis was planned; otherwise, findings were synthesized narratively. The review is intended to provide evidence-based recommendations for reducing the burden of digital eye strain in educational and occupational settings characterized by prolonged digital device use.
Detailed description
Digital eye strain (DES), also known as computer vision syndrome, has become an increasingly important public health concern due to the widespread use of digital devices in education and the workplace. The rapid expansion of online learning and remote work, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, has substantially increased daily screen exposure among students and employees, leading to a higher prevalence of visual and ocular symptoms.
DES encompasses a range of symptoms including eye fatigue, dryness, burning sensation, blurred vision, headache, diplopia, neck pain, and shoulder discomfort. These symptoms result from multiple interacting factors, including prolonged accommodation, decreased blink rate, tear film instability, poor ergonomics, improper viewing distance, glare, inadequate lighting, and prolonged uninterrupted screen use. The condition may adversely affect quality of life, academic performance, workplace productivity, and overall well-being.
The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize the current evidence regarding the prevalence of digital eye strain among individuals participating in online learning and remote work, identify associated risk factors, and evaluate available preventive and therapeutic management strategies.
The review included observational studies (cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control) and interventional studies involving online learners or remote workers published in English from January 2020 onward. Studies were identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles according to predefined eligibility criteria, extracted study data, and assessed methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklists for observational studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool for interventional studies.
Extracted data included study characteristics, participant demographics, sample size, duration of screen exposure, methods used to assess digital eye strain, prevalence estimates, identified risk factors, evaluated interventions, and principal findings. A narrative synthesis summarized the available evidence, while quantitative meta-analysis using a random-effects model was planned when sufficient homogeneous data were available. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test and the I² statistic.
The findings of this review are expected to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the current literature, identify modifiable risk factors, summarize evidence-based preventive and therapeutic approaches, and support recommendations for educational institutions, employers, healthcare professionals, and policy makers aimed at reducing the burden of digital eye strain among digital device users.
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Published Studies on Digital Eye Strain | – | Other: Systematic Literature ReviewThis cohort consists of published observational and interventional studies included in a systematic review evaluating the prevalence, risk factors, and management strategies for digital eye strain among individuals engaged in online learning and remote work. |
Who may qualify
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- The study population consists of participants included in published studies evaluating digital eye strain among individuals engaged in online learning or remote work, including school and university students, educators, office employees, and other adults using digital devices for prolonged periods.
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Published observational studies (cross-sectional, cohort, or case-control) and interventional studies.
- Studies involving individuals participating in online learning or remote work.
- Studies reporting the prevalence, risk factors, severity, or management of digital eye strain (computer vision syndrome).
- Studies published in English.
- Publications from January 2020 onward.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Case reports and case series.
- Editorials, commentaries, letters, conference abstracts, and narrative reviews.
- Studies unrelated to online learning or remote work.
- Animal or laboratory studies.
- Duplicate publications.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Systematic Literature ReviewSystematic identification, selection, appraisal, and synthesis of published studies evaluating digital eye strain in online learning and remote work environments. No intervention was administered directly to participants. | Other | Published Studies on Digital Eye Strain |
Primary outcome
Proportion of Participants with Digital Eye Strain
Time frame: Baseline
To estimate the pooled prevalence of digital eye strain among individuals engaged in online learning and remote work using data extracted from eligible published studies included in the systematic review and meta-analysis.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 16 Jul 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Digital Eye Strain (DES) and Computer Vision Syndrome, run by Benha University at 1 site in Egypt.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Egypt. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Proportion of Participants with Digital Eye Strain (time frame: Baseline). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 16 Jul 2026.