Abstract
Introduction. Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is “a complex of eye and vision problems related to near work experienced during computer use.” It is one of the rising health concerns related to technology (cell phones and tablets) due to continuous use of computers among students. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CVS, associated risk factors, and commonly associated symptoms and to assess the awareness and proper practice of using computers for studying. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 651 undergraduate medical students in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. An electronic survey was conducted to collect the data. Data were analyzed using SPSS v21. The chi-square test (Fisher’s exact test when required) was used to study the significance of associations. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. High prevalence of CVS was observed, in which 95% (558) reported at least one symptom during studying using computers. Most frequently reported symptoms were excessive tearing and neck, shoulder, or back pain. Female students had a higher risk of CVS (P=0.003). Students who are myopic or hyperopic showed no association. Astigmatism was associated significantly with CVS (P=0.03). Using spectacles or contact lens showed no association. Students with dry eye disease revealed a significant association with CVS (P=0.01). The most significant risk factors related to the daily usage of computer were longer duration of studying (P<0.001), short distance from the screen (P<0.05), and high brightness of the screen (P<0.05). The most significant preventive measure taken to relieve the symptoms was applying the 20-20-20 rule. Conclusion. CVS is common among medical students; significant risk factors need to be addressed to reduce the symptom and to ensure a better productivity of work. It is a necessity to raise awareness among medical students regarding computer-related health problems.
Highlights
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is “a complex of eye and vision problems related to near work experienced during computer use.” It is one of the rising health concerns related to technology due to continuous use of computers among students. e aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CVS, associated risk factors, and commonly associated symptoms and to assess the awareness and proper practice of using computers for studying
Among the health-related aspects is a condition known as computer vision syndrome (CVS). e American Optometric Association (AOA) defined computer vision syndrome as “a complex of eye and vision problems related to near work experienced during computer use.” [1]
E correlation between each risk factor and each symptom of CVS was analyzed; the long duration of time spent during studying was the most significant risk factor reported in 82.3% (459), which was correlated significantly with most of CVS
Summary
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is “a complex of eye and vision problems related to near work experienced during computer use.” It is one of the rising health concerns related to technology (cell phones and tablets) due to continuous use of computers among students. e aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CVS, associated risk factors, and commonly associated symptoms and to assess the awareness and proper practice of using computers for studying. Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is “a complex of eye and vision problems related to near work experienced during computer use.”. It is one of the rising health concerns related to technology (cell phones and tablets) due to continuous use of computers among students. It is a necessity to raise awareness among medical students regarding computer-related health problems In this modern generation, the use of computers became an essential tool to perform everyday tasks at work and at home. E American Optometric Association (AOA) defined computer vision syndrome as “a complex of eye and vision problems related to near work experienced during computer use.” [1]. University students including medical students are spending more time staring at the screen for studying and for research work
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