THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SMARTPHONE USAGE INTENSITY AND EYE HEALTH AMONG EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION STUDENTS IN KALIMEANG VILLAGE, KARANGSEMBUNG DISTRICT, CIREBON REGENCY

Smartphone use among preschool-aged children is increasing along with
technological development. Excessive screen exposure can lead to eye
problems such as dry eyes, redness, and reduced visual acuity. Children aged
4–6 years are particularly vulnerable, as their visual system is still developing.
This study aims to determine the relationship between smartphone usage
intensity and eye health among PAUD and kindergarten students in Kalimeang
Village, Karangsembung Subdistrict, Cirebon Regency.

This research employed a quantitative correlational design with a cross-
sectional approach. A total of 40 students were selected using purposive

sampling from a population of 88. Data were collected through a smartphone
usage questionnaire and eye health examinations using the Snellen Chart. Data
analysis was conducted univariately and bivariately using the Spearman Rank
test.
The Spearman Rank analysis showed a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05) and a
correlation coefficient (r) of 0.687, indicating a strong and significant positive
relationship between the variables. This means that the higher the intensity of
smartphone use, the poorer the eye health.
It can be concluded that there is a strong and significant relationship between
the intensity of smartphone use and the eye health of PAUD and kindergarten
students in Kalimeang Village, Karangsembung Subdistrict, Cirebon Regency.
These findings highlight the need for stricter supervision by parents and
teachers to limit smartphone usage duration to protect children's eye health.