Prediction of Digital Eye Strain Due to Online Learning Based on the Number of Blinks

Abstract

Eye strain is a big concern, especially when it comes to continuous and prolonged online learning. If this is allowed to continue, it will result in Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as Digital Eye Strain (DES), which includes headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and even neck and shoulder pain. This condition can be observed either directly based on excessive eye blinking or indirectly based on observations of the electrical activity of eye movements or electrooculography (EOG). The observed blink signal from the EOG, as a representation of eye strain, is the focus of this study. Data acquisition was obtained using the EOG sensor and was carried out on the condition that the participants were conducting online learning activities. There are four different modes of observation taken in succession: when the eye is in a viewing state but without blinking, when the eye blinks intentionally, when the eye is closed, and finally when the eye sees naturally. Observation time is 10s, 20s and 30s, where each interval is performed three times for every mode. The obtained signal is processed by the proposed method. The resulting signal is then labeled as a Blinking signal. Determination of the number of blinks or CNT_PEAK is the result of training this signal by tuning its threshold and width. If the number of blinks is less than or more than 17 then the system will provide a prediction of eye status which is stated in two categories, the first is normal eye while the last is eye strain or fatigue.