Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explores the relationship between myopia and electronic device–use patterns among university students in the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 476 university students using a validated online questionnaire. The survey collected sociodemographic data, myopia history, screen-use habits, and visual symptoms. The sample size was calculated using the Raosoft calculator at a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error.
Results: Myopia was reported by 57.5% of participants, and most cases (74.2%) were diagnosed before university. Daily screen exposure was high, with 34.3% using electronic devices for 6–8 hours. Eye strain (52.7%) and headaches (49.4%) were common symptoms. Significant associations were found between myopia and shorter viewing distances (p-value=0.004), infrequent breaks (p-value=0.002), and symptoms such as dry eyes and blurred vision. Myopia was also more prevalent among female students (p

Key words: Myopia, screen time, electronic devices, university students, Saudi Arabia.