Comparison of Micronutrient Intake Among Students with and without Computer Vision Syndrome

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased risk of computer vision syndrome (CVS), a group of eye and vision-related symptoms due to prolonged digital device use. The study on the prevalence of micronutrient intake deficiencies among Indonesia's adult population in 2018 found micronutrient deficiencies which are essential in eye structure and physiology.
 Objectives: to determine whether a lack of micronutrient intake contributes to the incidence of CVS among students. 
 Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design. The data were taken online from 34 Nutrition Science Study Program students of Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta. Data were taken using four repeated 24-hour food recalls and questionnaires. Diagnosis of CVS using the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire, which consists of 16 questions about the frequency and intensity of each symptom. Micronutrient intake was analyzed using the Nutrisurvey 2007 application. Univariate analysis was conducted to describe the characteristics of the variables. An unpaired t-test or Mann-Whitney test was used to test the hypothesis of the difference in micronutrient intake between the non-CVS group and the CVS group.
 Results: 22 of 34 (64.7%) subjects had CVS, and most of the subjects lacked micronutrient intake. There were no differences in subject characteristics and behavior of computer use between the CVS group and the non-CVS group (p > 0.05). The two groups did not differ in Fe, Mg, Cu, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Retinol, Vitamin C, and Omega 3 intake (p > 0.05). However, the unpaired t-test showed a significant difference in Zn intake between the two groups (p = 0.036; CI = 0.125-2.716). 
 Conclusions: Zn intake is essential in preventing CVS. Further research is needed on the benefits of Zn to prevent CVS.