Generation Z and Digital Eye Strain: A Narrative Review of Awareness Gaps and Preventive Strategies

Abstract

Generation Z, the first cohort to grow up in a fully digital environment, is increasingly reliant on smartphones, computers, tablets, and social media for education, communication, and entertainment. This review was conducted through a literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify studies related to digital eye strain, screen use, awareness, and preventive strategies among Generation Z. This widespread and often prolonged digital engagement has led to increased screen exposure, which is strongly associated with a rising burden of visual symptoms collectively known as digital eye strain (DES), including eye fatigue, dryness, headaches, blurred vision, and general ocular discomfort. This narrative review synthesizes existing global and local literature to explore the impact of prolonged digital device use on visual health among Generation Z, with a particular focus on Pakistan. It also examines behavioral patterns related to digital usage, associated risk factors, and common ocular manifestations linked to excessive screen exposure. The evidence indicates high digital dependency among Generation Z, often with limited awareness of appropriate visual hygiene practices. Studies from international and local settings demonstrate a significant burden of DES symptoms in young populations, alongside moderate awareness of its causes and poor adoption of preventive strategies. In Pakistan, despite widespread digital device use among students, knowledge regarding DES and its preventive practices remains inadequate. This gap is further intensified by limited structured health education and absence of standardized awareness programs. Overall, this review highlights digital eye strain as an emerging public health concern among Generation Z and emphasizes the urgent need for targeted awareness campaigns, integration of eye health education in academic settings, and implementation of preventive strategies to reduce screen-related visual morbidity.