Assessment of Myopia Progression Among University Students Using Digital Devices in Nsukka, Enugu State

The global myopia epidemic has accelerated notably among young adults in the digital age, with prolonged near-work on screens identified as a key environmental driver. This study assesses the progression of myopia and its association with digital device use among undergraduate students at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional analytical study will be conducted among 400 undergraduate students in science and humanities faculties selected by stratified random sampling. Each participant will undergo cycloplegic refraction to determine current refractive status, and a validated self-administered questionnaire will capture daily screen time, types of devices used, outdoor time, reading habits, and family history of myopia. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression will identify significant predictors of myopia. There has been a notable global increase in myopia prevalence among university-aged populations, driven by digital device use that often exceeds six hours per day. This study provides data from a South East Nigerian university and contributes to the growing national evidence base on digital eye health. Findings will support university health services in designing and implementing evidence-based myopia prevention campaigns, including screen time guidelines, the 20-20-20 rule promotion, and advocacy for outdoor light exposure. Integration of vision screening into university matriculation health checks is proposed as a scalable policy option. Halting myopia progression in young Nigerians is essential to avoiding high myopia and its associated serious complications in later life. Keywords: myopia, digital devices, university students, screen time, Enugu State