The Impact of the Use of Gadgets on the Sharpness of the Vision of USU Faculty of Medicine Students

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 18 views

The Impact of the Use of Gadgets on the Sharpness of the Vision of USU Faculty of Medicine Students

Introduction

Vision is a crucial aspect of life, particularly in the educational process. As the primary information pathway, good vision is essential for absorbing material effectively. Unfortunately, the delay in conducting examinations and corrections to vision disorders, especially in school-age children and students, can have a negative impact on their ability to learn and develop intelligence. With the rapid development of information and communication technology, the use of gadgets among students has become increasingly common. However, the use of unwise gadgets can cause a sharp decrease in vision.

The Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of the use of gadgets on the sharpness of the vision of students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra (USU). This study uses a quantitative descriptive method with a cross-sectional approach, and the population studied is USU's Faculty of Medicine students. A total of 100 student samples from class of 2013-2016 were taken using stratified random sampling techniques.

The Results of the Study

The results showed that 83% of students had used gadgets for more than three years, and 73% of them used gadgets for more than four hours per day. Although 60% of students use gadgets with a good position and 68% use gadgets with normal visibility, there are still 53% who use gadgets with contrasting light backgrounds that are not ideal. In conclusion, the use of gadgets has a significant effect on the sharpness of the vision of some students of the USU Faculty of Medicine.

The Impact of Gadgets on Vision

It is essential to realize that excessive use of gadgets can cause computer vision syndrome, which includes symptoms such as eye tension, blurred vision, and headache. Although most of the USU Faculty of Medicine students have used gadgets in a relatively good way, long duration of use can remain at risk for their eye health. Other factors can also play a role in the impact of using this gadget, such as screen quality, lighting around when using gadgets, as well as inadequate rest habits.

The Importance of Healthy Habits

In the context of education, it is very important for students to not only depend on gadgets as learning tools, but also adopt healthy habits in their use. Higher education can play an active role by providing education about the use of the correct gadget and the need for regular eye health checks. With the increasing dependence on gadgets, awareness of eye health impacts must be a major concern for all users, especially students.

Prevention Steps

Prevention steps early on will greatly help maintain vision sharpness and support a more effective learning process. Some of the prevention steps that can be taken include:

Following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from the screen and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Adjusting the screen brightness and contrast to a comfortable level.
Taking regular breaks to rest the eyes.
Getting regular eye exams to detect any potential vision problems early on.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of gadgets has a significant effect on the sharpness of the vision of some students of the USU Faculty of Medicine. It is essential for students to adopt healthy habits in their use of gadgets and to be aware of the potential risks to their eye health. By taking prevention steps early on, students can maintain their vision sharpness and support a more effective learning process.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Higher education institutions should provide education about the use of the correct gadget and the need for regular eye health checks.
Students should be encouraged to adopt healthy habits in their use of gadgets, such as following the 20-20-20 rule and taking regular breaks to rest their eyes.
Regular eye exams should be conducted to detect any potential vision problems early on.
Awareness of eye health impacts should be a major concern for all users, especially students.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted on a specific population of students.
The study only examined the impact of gadgets on vision and did not consider other potential factors that may influence vision.
The study did not examine the long-term effects of gadget use on vision.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Examine the long-term effects of gadget use on vision.
Investigate the impact of other factors, such as screen quality and lighting, on vision.
Develop and evaluate interventions to promote healthy gadget use habits among students.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendix

[Appendix materials, such as additional tables and figures, can be included here]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Impact of Gadgets on Vision

Q: What is computer vision syndrome?

A: Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a group of eye and vision-related problems that can occur when you use computers, smartphones, or other digital devices for extended periods. Symptoms of CVS include eye strain, blurred vision, headaches, and dry eyes.

Q: How can I prevent computer vision syndrome?

A: To prevent CVS, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from the screen and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Adjust the screen brightness and contrast to a comfortable level, and take regular breaks to rest your eyes.

Q: What are some common eye problems that can be caused by gadget use?

A: Some common eye problems that can be caused by gadget use include:

Dry eyes: Prolonged use of digital devices can cause dryness and irritation in the eyes.
Eye strain: Staring at screens for extended periods can cause eye strain and fatigue.
Blurred vision: Prolonged use of digital devices can cause blurred vision and eye strain.
Headaches: Eye strain and fatigue can cause headaches and migraines.

Q: How can I protect my eyes from the negative effects of gadget use?

A: To protect your eyes from the negative effects of gadget use, follow these tips:

Follow the 20-20-20 rule.
Adjust the screen brightness and contrast to a comfortable level.
Take regular breaks to rest your eyes.
Get regular eye exams to detect any potential vision problems early on.
Wear blue light blocking glasses or contact lenses to reduce eye strain.

Q: Can gadget use cause permanent damage to my eyes?

A: Prolonged and excessive use of digital devices can cause permanent damage to your eyes, including:

Myopia (nearsightedness): Prolonged use of digital devices can cause myopia, especially in children and young adults.
Hyperopia (farsightedness): Prolonged use of digital devices can cause hyperopia, especially in older adults.
Astigmatism: Prolonged use of digital devices can cause astigmatism, a condition where the cornea is irregularly shaped.

Q: How can I reduce my risk of developing eye problems caused by gadget use?

A: To reduce your risk of developing eye problems caused by gadget use, follow these tips:

Follow the 20-20-20 rule.
Adjust the screen brightness and contrast to a comfortable level.
Take regular breaks to rest your eyes.
Get regular eye exams to detect any potential vision problems early on.
Wear blue light blocking glasses or contact lenses to reduce eye strain.

Q: Can I use gadgets safely if I have pre-existing eye problems?

A: If you have pre-existing eye problems, it's essential to take extra precautions when using gadgets. Consult with your eye doctor to determine the best course of action for your specific condition. Some tips for safe gadget use with pre-existing eye problems include:

Following the 20-20-20 rule.
Adjusting the screen brightness and contrast to a comfortable level.
Taking regular breaks to rest your eyes.
Wearing blue light blocking glasses or contact lenses to reduce eye strain.
Getting regular eye exams to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Q: How can I teach my children to use gadgets safely?

A: To teach your children to use gadgets safely, follow these tips:

Set a good example by modeling safe gadget use habits yourself.
Establish rules and guidelines for gadget use, such as limiting screen time and taking regular breaks.
Encourage your children to follow the 20-20-20 rule.
Monitor your children's gadget use and provide guidance and support as needed.
Consider using parental control software to limit screen time and monitor gadget use.

Q: Can I use gadgets safely if I have a history of eye problems in my family?

A: If you have a history of eye problems in your family, it's essential to take extra precautions when using gadgets. Consult with your eye doctor to determine the best course of action for your specific condition. Some tips for safe gadget use with a family history of eye problems include:

Following the 20-20-20 rule.
Adjusting the screen brightness and contrast to a comfortable level.
Taking regular breaks to rest your eyes.
Wearing blue light blocking glasses or contact lenses to reduce eye strain.
Getting regular eye exams to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Q: How can I stay up-to-date with the latest research on the impact of gadgets on vision?

A: To stay up-to-date with the latest research on the impact of gadgets on vision, follow these tips:

Subscribe to reputable eye care and vision science publications.
Attend conferences and workshops on eye care and vision science.
Follow eye care and vision science experts on social media.
Participate in online forums and discussions on eye care and vision science.
Consult with your eye doctor to stay informed about the latest research and recommendations.