Background: Smartphones have become an integral part of daily life among young adults for communication, education, entertainment, and social networking. Excessive smartphone usage has led to increasing concerns regarding smartphone addiction and its associated health effects, particularly ocular symptoms related to prolonged screen exposure. Continuous use of smartphones may result in digital eye strain, dryness, headache, blurred vision, and other visual complaints affecting quality of life.

Aim and Objectives: To study the impact of smartphone addiction on ocular symptoms among young adults; to assess the level of smartphone addiction; to identify common ocular symptoms associated with smartphone use; to study the association between duration of smartphone use and ocular symptoms; and to compare ocular symptoms among participants with different levels of smartphone addiction.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 100 young adults aged 18–30 years. Data were collected using a predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Information regarding smartphone usage patterns, daily screen time, and ocular symptoms was recorded. Smartphone addiction was assessed using a validated Smartphone Addiction Scale. Ocular symptoms such as eye strain, headache, dryness, redness, watering, and blurred vision were assessed based on participant responses. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Moderate smartphone addiction was observed in 46% participants, while 22% had severe addiction. Eye strain (72%), headache (60%), and dryness of eyes (54%) were the most common ocular symptoms. A statistically significant association was found between daily smartphone use duration and ocular symptoms (χ²=12.48, p=0.002). Significant association was also observed between smartphone addiction level and ocular symptoms (χ²=14.32, p=0.001). Participants with severe smartphone addiction had higher prevalence of ocular complaints compared to those with mild addiction.

Conclusion: Smartphone addiction is significantly associated with ocular symptoms among young adults. Prolonged smartphone use increases the risk of digital eye strain and visual discomfort.

KEYWORDS: Smartphone Addiction, Eye, and Young Adult.