Computer Vision Syndrome Among Health Sciences Students in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Computer vision syndrome and ergonomic risk factors among workers of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: an institutional-based cross-sectional study

Background

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is the most pressing public health concern that affects vision and reduces quality of life and productivity, particularly in developing countries. Most of the previous studies conducted in Ethiopia focus on the knowledge and personal risk factors of bank workers. Moreover, ergonomic workstation design was not objectively assessed, which could hinder the implementation of effective intervention strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to determine CVS and ergonomic factors among commercial bank workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 466 study participants from May 26 to July 24, 2022. A multistage sampling technique was applied to select the study participants. Data were collected via a standardized tool of CVS (CVS-Q). Besides, workstation ergonomics were pertinently assessed. The collected data was entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 26 for data analysis and cleaning. Multivariable logistics regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with CVS. The variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant factors.

Results

Prevalence of CVS was 75.3% (95% CI: 71.2-79.2%). Blurred vision, eye redness, and headache, 59.8%, 53.7%, and 50.7%, respectively, were frequently reported symptoms. Glare (AOR = 4.45: 95% CI: 2.45-8.08), 20-20-20 principle (AOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.06-3.67), wearing non-prescription eyeglasses (AOR = 4.17; 95% CI: 1.92-9.06), and poor workstation (AOR = 7.39; 95% CI: 4.05-13.49) was significantly associated with CVS.

Conclusion

The prevalence of CVS was found to be high. Glare at work, ignoring the 20-20-20 principle, wearing non-prescription eyeglasses, and poor workstation ergonomic design were independent predictors of CVS. Therefore, comprehensive interventional activities like adhering to the 20-20-20 principle, avoiding the use of non-prescription glasses, minimizing glare, and improving workstation ergonomic setup are essential to prevent CVS.

Ergonomic intervention program for office workers: a case study about its effect in computer vision syndrome and musculoskeletal discomfort

This study aims to develop and implement an ergonomic intervention program at the workplace of knowledge workers, and to evaluate its impact on the reduction of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and musculoskeletal symptoms. 84 workers were part of the study (mean age 43.2 ± 9.7 years). The intervention included training, delivery of a packaging of artificial tears, and adjustments in workstations. It was conducted intensively along 6 weeks. Data was collected on-site, with questionnaires administered pre-intervention, 2 months after, and 4 months after. Participants exhibited behavioural changes, especially in workplace adjustments and visual rest. By the intervention's end, over 90% had correctly adjusted screens and adopted appropriate postures, while 42.7% adhered to the 20x20x20 rule. CVS severity and prevalence decreased, but not significantly across the three time points. Significant improvements were observed in upper back and neck musculoskeletal symptoms at the end of workdays. Findings suggest that an ergonomic intervention program can benefit employees by reducing visual and musculoskeletal symptoms.

Computer Vision Syndrome Among Medical Students at the University of Khartoum, Sudan: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Background and aims Regular continuous uninterrupted use of electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, can result in a spectrum of vision-related symptoms known as computer vision syndrome. Students today can readily access information and books on their smartphones and computers, which reduces their reliance on printed texts. Numerous muscle-related and ocular complaints could arise from this. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of computer vision syndrome symptoms among medical students at the University of Khartoum and to identify its contributing factors. The secondary objective was to evaluate practices and knowledge related to computer vision syndrome prevention. Methods This study is a facility-based cross-sectional observation aimed at describing medical students' characteristics at the University of Khartoum. The sampling strategy employed was stratified random sampling, and a structured online questionnaire was used to collect the data. A total of 149 students completed the self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic data, validated symptoms of computer vision syndrome, and factors associated with the syndrome's development. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.), simple descriptive statistics were calculated, and odds ratios and Pearson's chi-square test were employed to examine and quantify the association between variables. Results Of the 149 participants, 58.4% were female, while males made up 41.6% of the study sample. The prevalence of computer vision syndrome has been found to be 94%, and 72.4% of the students reported experiencing at least three symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Neck and shoulder pain was the most commonly reported symptom (78.5%), followed by headache (70.5%), while the least reported symptom was eye redness (36.2%). The majority of students (81.2%) used electronic devices for five or more hours a day, and the most common posture while using electronic devices was lying down, as reported by 54.4% of the students. A total of 68% of the medical students in this study reported keeping a distance that was shorter than the suggested 40 centimeters from the screen, and only 18.1% were aware of the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds). The seating position has been found to be significantly associated with the number of symptoms experienced (p=0.012); sitting with a bent back was 4.6 times more likely to cause more than three symptoms when compared to sitting upright with a straight back (OR=4.643; 95% CI: 1.63-13.21; p=0.004). Conclusion There was a very high prevalence of computer vision syndrome among medical students at the University of Khartoum. Most students had poor awareness and bad practices regarding the safe use of electronic devices. Awareness campaigns to encourage good practices and enable the safe use of computers and other digital devices are strongly recommended.

Computer vision syndrome-related symptoms in presbyopic computer workers

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS)-related symptoms in a presbyopic population using the computer as the main work tool, as well as the relationship of CVS with the electronic device use habits and the ergonomic factors.

METHODS

A sample of 198 presbyopic participants (aged 45-65 years) who regularly work with a computer completed a customised questionnaire divided into: general demographics, optical correction commonly used and for work, habits of electronic devices use, ergonomic conditions during the working hours and CVS-related symptoms during work performance. A total of 10 CVS-related symptoms were questioned indicating the severity with which they occurred (0-4) and the median total symptom score (MTSS) was calculated as the sum of the symptoms.

RESULTS

The MTSS in this presbyopic population is 7 ± 5 symptoms. The most common symptoms reported by participants are dry eyes, tired eyes and difficulties in refocusing. MTSS is higher in women (p < 0.05), in laptop computer users (p < 0.05) and in teleworkers compared to office workers (p < 0.05). Regarding ergonomic conditions, MTSS is higher in participants who do not take breaks while working (p < 0.05), who have an inadequately lighting in the workspace (p < 0.05) and in the participants reporting neck (p < 0.01) or back pain (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

There is a relationship between CVS-related symptoms, the use of electronic devices and the ergonomic factors, which indicates the importance of adapting workplaces, especially for home-based teleworkers, and following basic visual ergonomics rules.

The Prevalence and Knowledge of Digital Eye Strain Among the Undergraduates in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Aim/background Digital eye strain, also called computer vision syndrome (CVS), is a group of symptoms resulting from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader, and cell phone use. The level of discomfort and the severity of these symptoms appear to increase with the amount of digital screen use. These symptoms include eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. This study aims to assess the changes in the prevalence of digital eye strain among college students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among university students at different college institutions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Subjects were interviewed, and the data were collected using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was composed of student demographic data, students' general knowledge and risk perception of digital eye strain, and the assessment of CVS symptoms questionnaire. Results Of the 364 university students, 55.5% were females, and 96.2% were aged between 18 and 29 years. A significant proportion of university students (84.6%) were using digital devices for five hours or more. The proportion of university students who were aware of the 20-20-20 rule was 37.4%. The overall prevalence of positive for CVS symptoms was 76.1%. Independent risk factors for CVS symptoms were gender female, ocular disorders, and using digital devices at a shorter distance. Conclusion There was a high prevalence of CVS symptoms among university students in our region. Female students with an ocular disease were more likely to exhibit CVS symptoms than other university students, but using a digital device at a longer distance could alleviate the symptoms of CVS. A longitudinal study is needed to establish the effect of CVS symptoms among university students, especially during the post-pandemic era.

Digital Eye Strain among Peruvian Nursing Students: Prevalence and Associated Factors

There has been a high prevalence of digital eye strain (DES) among students who have received distance-learning lessons due to COVID-19. However, in low- and middle-income countries, there are few studies that have analyzed its associated factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DES and its associated factors among nursing students during COVID-19 distance learning. This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted between May and June 2021 in six Peruvian universities. The sample comprised 796 nursing students. DES was measured using the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q). A bivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. DES was found in 87.6% of nursing students. Sitting upright (OR, 0.47; 95% IC, 0.30-0.74), using electronic devices for more than four hours a day (OR, 1.73; 95% IC, 1.02-2.86), not following the 20-20-20 rule (OR, 2.60; 95% IC, 1.25-5.20), having the screen brightness very high (OR, 3.36; 95% IC, 1.23-11.8), and not wearing glasses (OR, 0.59; 95% IC, 0.37-0.93) are factors associated with DES. The prevalence of DES among nursing students is high. Improving the ergonomics of study environments, reducing the time of exposure to electronic devices, adjusting the screen brightness, and taking eye-care measures are key to controlling computer vision syndrome in virtual learning.

Medical Students' Perceptions Towards Online Teaching During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study from Saudi Arabia

Background

The Covid-19 has made a huge impact on higher education. Online teaching and learning became essential to deliver educational activities in all areas including medical education. In this study, we aimed to investigate medical students' perceptions on the role of online teaching and learning in facilitating medical education.

Material and Methods

A cross-sectional study using a self-administered online questionnaire was conducted. Students eligible were medical students across all years at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. Perceptions analysis was conducted using SPSS software.

Results

A total of 563 students participated in the study (prominent category female 64%, n = 361). There was a significant increase in the number of hours devoted to online learning during the pandemic. Live lectures/tutorials platform via zoom showed the highest rate of interaction compared to pre-recorded lectures and learning materials uploaded on blackboard. 50% of the students disagreed that online teaching is as effective as face-to-face teaching. The greatest perceived enjoyable aspect included the online accessibility of materials. Whereas the most frequent perceived barrier to online learning included internet connection. 17% of students reflected a poor understanding of scientific materials through online PBL. More than 50% of students revealed that online theoretical lectures are as good as classroom or better. Whereas the majority (70%) were unable to learn clinical skills online. The results indicated high impact on students' physical activities (80%). Impacts were higher on pre-clinical students' health and social life than on clinical students.

Conclusion

Our findings reported that during emergency situations due to the pandemic, online teaching enables the continuity of medical education and provides adequate efficiency. The use of live online platforms showed high level of interaction. However, some barriers need to be addressed especially at the clinical skills development level to maximize the benefit of online teaching and learning.

Review on the possible pathophysiological mechanisms underlying visual display terminal-associated dry eye disease

BACKGROUND

Visual display terminal (VDT) use is a key risk factor for dry eye disease (DED). Visual display terminal (VDT) use reduces the blink rate and increases the number of incomplete blinks. However, the exact mechanisms causing DED development from VDT use have yet to be clearly described.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to conduct a review on pathophysiological mechanisms promoting VDT-associated DED.

METHODS

A PubMed search of the literature investigating the relationship between dry eye and VDT was performed, and relevance to pathophysiology of DED was evaluated.

FINDINGS

Fifty-five articles met the inclusion criteria. Several pathophysiological mechanisms were examined, and multiple hypotheses were extracted from the articles. Visual display terminal (VDT) use causes DED mainly through impaired blinking patterns. Changes in parasympathetic signalling and increased exposure to blue light, which could disrupt ocular homeostasis, were proposed in some studies but lack sufficient scientific support. Together, these changes may lead to a reduced function of the tear film, lacrimal gland, goblet cells and meibomian glands, all contributing to DED development.

CONCLUSION

Visual display terminal (VDT) use appears to induce DED through both direct and indirect routes. Decreased blink rates and increased incomplete blinks increase the exposed ocular evaporative area and inhibit lipid distribution from meibomian glands. Although not adequately investigated, changes in parasympathetic signalling may impair lacrimal gland and goblet cell function, promoting tear film instability. More studies are needed to better target and improve the treatment and prevention of VDT-associated DED.

Evaluation of dry eye symptoms and risk factors among medical students in Serbia

BACKGROUND

Dry eye is a multifactorial disease defined less than 30 years ago. It is a relatively common disorder, affected by a number of well-known risk factors. Dry eye can be challenging to diagnose because of the possible discrepancy between patients' symptoms and clinical signs, and its overlap with other ocular surface diseases. Literature-wise, dry eye is usually associated with age and therefore investigated within older populations. Recently, studies focusing on young adult and student populations have demonstrated a higher prevalence of dry eye than previously expected.

AIM

The study aims to determine the frequency of dry eye symptoms in the student population, and the impact of students' activities and habits as potential risk factors.

METHODOLOGY

Our study involved 397 students from the medical school at the University of Belgrade, Serbia. Students were asked to complete an online survey that addressed general information, health, habits, and routine in everyday use of electronic devices. In addition, students completed a standard Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire.

RESULTS

The prevalence of dry eye was 60.5% (240/397) in our study population. Contact lens wear (p<0.001), allergies (p = 0.049) and increased number of hours per day using VD devices for studying purposes (p = 0.014) were associtated with a higher risk of dry eye disease. Risk factors that did not significantly impact dry eye were the use of oral contraceptives, smoking, systemic diseases, year of study and sex.

CONCLUSION

In our study, the prevalence of dry eye disease was similar or slightly higher than in previous studies among young adults. In addition, contact lenses, allergies and visual display devices were associated with the development of the dry eye.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of computer vision syndrome among medical students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Computer Visual Syndrome in Medical Students From a Private University in Paraguay: A Survey Study

Purpose

To determine the prevalence and factors associated with computer vision syndrome in medical students at a private university in Paraguay.

Methods

A survey study was conducted in 2021 in a sample of 228 medical students from the Universidad del Pacífico, Paraguay. The dependent variable was CVS, measured with the Computer Visual Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q). Its association with covariates (hours of daily use of notebook, smartphone, tablet and PC, taking breaks when using equipment, use of preventive visual measures, use of glasses, etc.) was examined.

Results

The mean age was 22.3 years and 71.5% were women. CVS was present in 82.5% of participants. Higher prevalence of CVS was associated with wearing a framed lens (PR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03-1.20). In contrast, taking a break when using electronic equipment at least every 20 min and every 1 h reduced 7% (PR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87-0.99) and 6% (PR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89-0.99) the prevalence of CVS, respectively.

Conclusion

Eight out of 10 students experienced CVS during the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of framed lenses increased the presence of CVS, while taking breaks when using electronic equipment at least every 20 min and every 1 h reduced CVS.

Self-reported Computer Vision Syndrome Among Bank Workers in Onitsha, Nigeria

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the awareness, prevalence, and pattern of ocular problems related to computer [computer vision syndrome (CVS)] use among bank workers in Onitsha, Nigeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study involving bank staff in Onitsha metropolis who were selected using a simple random technique. A validated CVS questionnaire was used to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics, frequency and duration of computer use, eye symptoms, and preventive measures.

RESULTS

There were 150 bank staff selected: 81 (54.0%) females and 69 (46.0%) males, aged 20-49 years (mean= 33.2 ± 7.2 years). All participants used computer daily. Daily computer use was 1-16 h. Seventy-nine (53.4%) workers were aware of CVS; 127 (84.7%) used preventive measures which included anti-reflective eye glasses (12.7%) and computer screen guard (22.3%). Symptoms with computer use were reported by 103 (68.7%) participants. The prevalence of CVS was 29.3%. Headache (45.4%), itching (38.6%), photophobia (38.0%), visual blur (37.3%), and eye pains (28.0%) were the commonest symptoms. There was a trend towards CVS being commoner in female gender (P = 0.059), with prolonged computer use, and failure to use preventive measures. CVS is 6-fold more likely to occur in individuals who wear corrective lenses.

CONCLUSION

CVS is common among the bank workers studied. Use of protective measures that minimize exposure to electromagnetic force radiation from computer screens is suggested. A computer screen guard is recommended as a minimum preventive measure for long-term computer users.

The online learning experience and reported headaches associated with screen exposure time among Saudi health sciences students during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global health issue and has significantly impacted university education. As a result, learning methods have been shifted to be delivered through online learning. Online learning has increased reliance on computer screens, which can cause visual discomfort and may cause or exacerbate headaches due to prolonged screen exposure. However, time spent using electronic devices has not yet been examined in relation to the online learning experience.

PURPOSE

This study assessed the online learning experiences and reported headaches associated with screen exposure time among health sciences university students.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenience sample of 353 students at Saudi University. Online learning experiences, screen time exposure, and reported headache questionnaires were used to collect the data.

RESULTS

Students were moderately satisfied with the online learning experience. Nevertheless, they faced many challenges with online learning that affected their communication efficacy, and they preferred that blended learning be continued. In addition, this study found a high prevalence of headache (65.72%) and a high screen exposure time among the studied students (52.69%). Increased screen time exposure is linked with increased headache and migraine reporting among students (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Headache is a common health issue among health professional students, and it can harm their academic performance and quality of life, especially related to online learning. Greater awareness of headaches, stress reduction and prevention programs, and ergonomic practices to deal with headaches are essential. Blended learning approaches can improve student learning and performance in health science courses.

Self-Reported Computer Vision Syndrome among Thai University Students in Virtual Classrooms during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prevalence and Associated Factors

During the COVID-19 pandemic, computer vision syndrome (CVS) related to online classrooms were unavoidable. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the prevalence, characteristics and associated factors of CVS. A total of 527 students who were currently studying in a virtual classroom (70.40% female, mean (standard deviation; SD) age of 20.04 (2.17) years) were included. The prevalence of CVS assessed by an online CVS-Questionnaire was 81.0% (427/527). Comparing with those in the period before the online study, an increase in screen time (interquartile range) in students with and without CVS was 3 (0−3) and 2 (1−5) h, respectively. Overall, 516 students (97.9%) experienced at least one symptom. The most frequent symptom in CVS subjects was eye pain (96.5%). The most intense symptoms were the feeling of worsening eyesight (15.9%). The factors associated with CVS were female (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.010), atopic diseases (p = 0.020), prior ocular symptoms (p < 0.001), astigmatism (p = 0.033), distance from display <20 cm (p = 0.023), presence of glare or reflection on screen (p < 0.001), low screen brightness (p = 0.045), sleep duration (p = 0.030), inadequate break time between classes (p < 0.001) and increased screen time usage during online study (p < 0.001). Recommendations to prevent CVS based on the adjustable factors might reduce the burden of online study.

Digital Eye Strain among Adults Presenting to Tertiary Care Hospital in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

The Novel Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has sent humanity indoors, replacing human contact with an electronic connection. The mandatory online classes and work from home policy to maintain the social distancing during the pandemic has forced the individual to spend most of the time in front of laptops or mobile screens. Digital eye strain is a group of vision-related symptoms that result from the continuous use of devices with digital displays, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. The present study is done to find out the prevalence of digital eye strain among the adult population in a tertiary care hospital in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study was done from January 2021 to July 2021 in a tertiary care hospital of Nepal after receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Registration number: 077/78/30). Convenience sampling was done. The sample size calculated in our study was 322. Data collection and entry were done in Microsoft Excel, point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data.

RESULTS

The prevalence of digital eye strain was 300 (94.3%) (91.8-96.8 at 95% Confidence Interval) among 318 respondents. Eye strain (irritation, heaviness) was the most common digital eye strain symptom 199 (62.6%) followed by the tiredness of eyes 162 (50.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study concluded that the prevalence of digital eye strain in the era of COVID-19 is high as compared to other studies conducted among adults.

Computer Vision Syndrome During SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak in University Students: A Comparison Between Online Courses and Classroom Lectures

Purpose: To compare the prevalence of computer vision syndrome in university students of different teaching modes during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak period. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study using the validated Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire in Chinese medical students of Sichuan University who took classroom lectures and the same-grade foreign students from a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program who took online lectures with similar schedules. Results: A total of 137 responses from 63 Chinese students and 74 MBBS students were obtained. The highest frequency of digital screen time was 7-9 h (43.24%, 32/74) for MBBS students and 2-4 h (46.03%, 29/63) for Chinese students. The prevalence of computer vision syndrome among Chinese students and MBBS students were 50.79% and 74.32%, respectively (P = 0.004). The average numbers of reported symptoms were 5.00 ± 2.17 in Chinese students and 5.91 ± 1.90 in MBBS students (P = 0.01). The three most highly reported symptoms were "heavy eyelids" (53.97%), "dryness" (50.79%), and "feeling of a foreign body" (46.03%) in Chinese students and "dryness" (72.97%), "feeling of a foreign body" (62.16%), and "heavy eyelids" (58.11%) in MBBS students. The sum grades of computer vision syndrome had a moderate positive correlation with screen time (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.386, P < 0.001). The grades of symptoms of "feeling of a foreign body," "heavy eyelids," and "dryness" showed a weak positive correlation with screen time (Spearman's correlation coefficients were 0.220, 0.205, and 0.230, respectively). Conclusion: Online study may contribute to the prevalence of computer vision syndrome among university students.

Computer vision syndrome among Saudi population: An evaluation of prevalence and risk factors

Introduction

In the recent era of technological evolution, electronic devices have become an essential part of our lives, not merely in professional work settings, but also in daily leisure activities. Although these devices have simplified our lives, they are associated with a wide variety of health complaints. Thus, the so-called computer vision syndrome (CVS) has become a growing public health problem and has gained significant attention as it plays an important role in the quality of life of each individual, which in turn has put an increased burden on the health care system. Eye symptoms are among the most reported, yet extraocular symptoms were frequently described as adding an extra load.

Method

An electronic survey was distributed randomly through social media platforms among the general population in Saudi Arabia, between the period from July to December 2017, irrespective of their sociodemographic factors, aiming to determine the prevalence of CVS and to verify the most common associated risk factors.

Results

In total, 690 participants were involved in our study, with a mean age of 33.8 years. Of these, 77.6% suffer from CVS, with eye-burning being the most common ocular symptoms (71%), as well as itching (67.5%), blurred vision (65%), tearing (62.3%), and other eye symptoms being reported. Neck/shoulder pain was found to be the most prevalent extra ocular symptom (85.2%); also back pain and headache are frequently expressed (78% and 70% respectively). A significant positive correlation was observed between CVS symptoms and time spent using the devices (P-value: 0.002).

Conclusion

As technology advances, electronic devices have become a common tool that is used for different purposes on daily basis. We found in our study that the so-called computer vision syndrome is a growing public health problem. Thus, community education about the impact of such a lifestyle for proper handling of electronic devices must be addressed to avoid such health complaints.

Digital Eye Strain and Its Risk Factors Among a University Student Population in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Several ocular and visual symptoms resulting from use of digital devices are collectively known as digital eye strain (DES) or computer vision syndrome (CVS). Few studies exist on the prevalence of DES among young adults in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of digital eye strain among a university student population in Jordan. 

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with students enrolled at Al-Ahliyya Amman University in Jordan. DES was evaluated using the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q), which was filled out by students who were approached at random and signed an informed consent to participate in the study. Information related to the type, intensity of usage, settings of digital device (DD) used, and post-device use student-reported physical complaints were recorded.

Results: Data from 382 students were analyzed. Prevalence of CVS was 94.5%, with tearing being the most prevalent symptom (59%), while double vision was least reported by students (18.3%). DD use for more than six hours per day was reported by 55.5% of the sample size, and 30.7% of the students reported pain in joints of fingers and wrists after using a mobile phone.

Conclusion: CVS is highly prevalent among university students in Jordan. With the increased dependence on online education due to coronavirus disease, safe habits in digital device use are recommended.

Asthenopia Among University Students: The Eye of the Digital Generation

Background:

Asthenopia or eye strain is one of the major medical problems that students face during their academic years.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of asthenopia among a sample of university students attending various majors and to identify the risk factors for its development.

Methods:

This is a cross sectional study conducted on students attending various faculties at the American University of Beirut during the spring semester of 2019. Students were asked to fill a self-administered anonymous questionnaire that inquired about demographics, use of digital devices, symptoms of asthenopia, possible risk factors and protective measures. A bivariate analysis was performed to correlate asthenopia with the different variables. A multivariate analysis was then conducted to determine the extent of contribution of the different variables to asthenopia after controlling for confounding variables.

Results:

The prevalence of asthenopia was found to be 67.8% with blurred vision being the most reported symptom (27.0%). A bivariate analysis was used to assess the association between asthenopia and the following variables: demographics, digital device use, reasons for using digital devices, and preventive methods. Age, being a continuous variable, was analyzed using an independent t- test. For the variables that were found to be have a p-value < 0.2, a multiple logistic regression was performed. Old age was found to be a protective factor for asthenopia, with 0.693 times reduction in asthenopia for every increase in year of age. Using the device for communication for less than four hours (p=0.012), using the device for less than four hours per day (p=0.000) and pattern of using the device for less than three years (p=0.023) were significant in being negatively associated with asthenopia. As for preventative measures that protect users from digital eyestrain, we found that using eye drops (p=0.004; OR=0.375) and taking regular breaks (p=0.000; OR= 0.399) were protective factors whereas using adjustable screens was a risk factor (p=0.000; OR=3.083).

Conclusion:

Asthenopia was found to be of non-negligible prevalence among this sample of university students. The results of this study highlight the importance of establishing awareness campaigns and encourage the introduction of targeted screenings for asthenopia among college students.