scholarly journals Computer Vision Syndrome Prevalence and Ocular Sequelae among Medical Students: A University-Wide Study on a Marginalized Visual Security Issue

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 156-170
Author(s):  
Mohammed Iqbal ◽  
Hosam Elzembely ◽  
Ahmed Elmassry ◽  
Mervat Elgharieb ◽  
Ahmed Assaf ◽  
...  

Introduction: This study aimed to discover and document the potential of visual and ocular sequelae of computer vision syndrome (CVS) among medical students. Methods: This cross-sectional case-control study was conducted on medical students (n=4030) of five universities in Egypt. All students completed a specially designed and validated CVS questionnaire survey (CVS-F3). Students with ≥5 CVS symptoms constituted a risk group (n=352), while students with 1-4 CVS symptoms constituted a low-symptoms group (n=3067). Students from the control and risk groups were examined using objective methods, such as visual acuity, subjective refraction, dry eye disease tests, and anterior segment and fundus examinations. Students who complained of visual blur underwent multifocal electroretinography mfERG examinations (mfERG group). Results: The CVS-F3 indicated that 84.8% of students had complaints that might be related to CVS, however, our ophthalmic examination group revealed only a 56% CVS prevalence rate. The most common single screen type used by 70.4% of students was the smartphone, and the most common complaint was headache (50.2%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that CVS was significantly associated with increased screen-hours, including >2 screen-hours daily (odds ratio [OR], 2.48; P<0.0001), >2 screen-hours at night (OR, 1.79; P=0.003), and ≥3 screen-years (OR, 1.69; P=0.006). In the mfERG group, 37% demonstrated reduced amplitudes of mfERG rings and quadrants, indicating reduced foveal responses. Conclusion: CVS-questionnaires overestimate the true CVS prevalence and sequelae, which could be accurately detected by objective ophthalmic examination. Smartphones primarily caused CVS among students, with CVS severity increasing in correlation with shorter eye-to-screen distance and frequent use. Contact lens wearing doubled the risk of CVS development and augmented its severity. CVS might affect macular integrity with screen-induced foveal dysfunction. Clinical Trials Registration: PACTR201811618954630.

2021 ◽  
Vol 06 (01) ◽  
pp. 9-14
Author(s):  
Tanvi Poy Raiturcar ◽  

Introduction: There has been a tremendous increase in the use of computers and other screens by young adults in educational institutions for education, communication, and recreation. This can lead to computer vision syndrome. Computer vision syndrome includes a variety of symptoms faced by individuals who use computers for long hours every day. Most early symptoms are not recognized and the condition goes undiagnosed. Creating public awareness about the healthy use of computers is the need of the hour. Aim: To study knowledge, attitudes and practices of computer vision syndrome among medical students in Goa. Methods: Settings and Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Study Duration: 1 month (June 2020) Statistical Analysis Tools Used: Simple percentages and proportions. Result: It is seen that among participants who use digital devices for more than 6 hours, 39 (92.9%) were symptomatic. 62 (57.4%) participants experienced worsening of symptoms due to lockdown. Conclusion: The present study revealed that more than three-fourths of the students complained of one or more symptoms of computer vision syndrome while working on the devices.


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khola Noreen ◽  
Kashif Ali ◽  
Kausar Aftab ◽  
Muhammad Umar

Purpose:  To determine the frequency of computer vision syndrome and its associated risk factors among under graduate medical students. Study Design:  Descriptive Cross–sectional study. Place and Duration of Study:  Gujranwala Medical College and Rawalpindi Medical University, Pakistan from 5th August to 28th August, 2020. Methods:  A validated self-designed questionnaire was used for this study. The survey instrument was tailored from a published questionnaire which comprised of questions on demographics, frequency of symptoms of computer vision syndrome, pattern of computer usage and ergonomic practices. Results:  Final analysis was run on 326 under graduate medical students. Females were 228 (69%) and 98 (30%) were males. Age of the participants ranged between 17 to 25 years. Overall frequency of CVS was found to be 98.7%. Twenty nine percent students experienced extra ocular complaints and 71% had ocular symptoms. Symptoms of CVS were more commonly observed among those using desktop/laptop at less than forearm length (p = 0.001). Distance of < 12 inches from mobile phone was found to be associated with eye irritation and neck shoulder pain (p = 0.001). Frequency of break of more than 60 minutes was found to be significantly associated with eye irritation (p = 0.002) and excessive blinking and light sensitivity (p = 0.001). The students not using ergonomically comfortable chair were found to suffer more with  symptoms of CVS as compared to those using ergonomically designed chair (p = 0.049). Conclusion:  Health issues related to excessive use of digital devices has become alarmingly high during COVID-19 pandemic. Symptoms of CVS are significantly associated with distance from digital device and less frequent break intervals. Key Words:  COVID-19, Computer Vision Syndrome, Digital eye syndrome, ergonomics, visual display terminals.


2021 ◽  
pp. 18-28
Author(s):  
Rupali Maheshgaori ◽  
Parag Apte ◽  
Deepaswi Bhavsar ◽  
Gaurav Bramhabhatt ◽  
Prachi Bakre

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ranju Kharel Sitaula ◽  
Anadi Khatri

Background: Computer vision syndrome is a common global problem among millions of computer users including medical students. Medical students are preferring soft copies rather than textbooks. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of MBBS students about Computer vision syndrome, and to identify its ocular morbidity among them.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey based on the questionnaire was conducted among 1st- 4th-year MBBS students of the Institute of Medicine and 80 students underwent detailed ocular evaluation.Results: A complete survey response was received from 236 students out of 299 students (Response Rate 80%). The mean age of MBBS students was 21.38 years ± 1.328 years and the range were 19-22 years; 76.2% were male and 23.8% were female. The majority (37.2%) spent 2-3 hours/day on the computer and had a higher risk (p-0.0001) of developing Computer vision syndrome. About 69.5% students used a computer at the level of the eye but there was a significant reduction in Computer vision syndrome (p-0.0001) among those who had computer screen below the eye level. Association between taking breaks (p-0.0001) and frequent blinking (p-0.0411) during computer use and relief of symptoms was significant. Only 22.9% had pre-existing knowledge of Computer vision syndrome% and only 25.5% of them were practicing the ideal viewing distance. Among 80 medical students randomly selected for detail eye examinations (63.7% male;36.2% female), the prevalence of Computer vision syndrome was 71.6%. The commonest ocular complaint was a headache (50%) and dry eyes (45%). Myopia was the commonest refractive error (31.2%) and the orthoptic problem was prevalent among 17.5% students.Conclusions: The survey showed that Computer vision syndrome is relevant among MBBS students but the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Computer vision syndrome among them is poor. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Ghufran A. Abudawood ◽  
Heba M. Ashi ◽  
Nawaf K. Almarzouki

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 44-48
Author(s):  
Sughandha Garg ◽  
Debayan Mallik ◽  
Arun Kumar ◽  
Rajasri Chunder ◽  
Ajay Bhagoliwal

Background: Computers have significantly impacted cognitive, social, physical and various other aspects of the modern daily lives of computer users, especially among internet users. Our life is inseparable from the internet, e.g., chatting, online shopping, gaming, video conferencing, and emailing. In the modern day, nearly every job is done sitting in front of a computer. Majority of the day is spent on the computer either working or for recreational purposes. Consequently, the effects of computer use on eyes and vision has increased too. This study will review the factors relating to eye and vision problems amongst students and its association with computer work and provide recommendations for preventing or reducing their development. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the current study was to estimate the prevalence of computer vision syndrome, its knowledge and application among medical students. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, which was carried out amongst the MBBS students (1st, 2nd and 3rd year) of Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Center, Kanpur, India. The data was collected between January 2017 to March 2017. Students who gave their consent were taken up for the study. A pretested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results: A total of 214 medical students participated and majority of them were below 22 years of age. The prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome was found to be 83% [95% CI = 67.9% - 91.6%]. More than 70% students spend up to 4 hours in front of computer. Roughly 40% knowledge of Computer Vision Syndrome, but only 10% took any measures to prevent the disease. And those who had symptoms experience them within 2-3 hours of computer use. Majority of them complained of having watery eyes and blurred vision. Conclusion: A significant proportion of students do manifests Computer Vision Syndrome and denotes that the health of the people working on the computers should be emphasized as a field of concern in public health. These are young kids and having this syndrome so early in life will have a detrimental effect on their health in future. Hence the stakeholders involved, needs to be sensitized regarding the importance of the regular eye and health check-ups and proper rest to the eyes. Further research is recommended to know the depth of the problem as it has the potential to become a modern-day pandemic.


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-296
Author(s):  
Ranju Kharel (Sitaula) ◽  
Anadi Khatri

Background: Computer vision syndrome is a common global problem among millions of computer users including medical students. Medical students are preferring soft copies rather than textbooks. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of MBBS students about Computer vision syndrome, and to identify its ocular morbidity among them.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey based on the questionnaire was conducted among 1st- 4th year MBBS students of the Institute of Medicine and 80 students underwent detailed ocular evaluation. Results: A complete survey response was received from 236 students out of 299 students (Response Rate 80%). The mean age of MBBS students was 21.38 years ± 1.328 years and the range were 19-22 years; 76.2% were male and 23.8% were female. The majority (37.2%) spent 2-3 hours/day on the computer and had a higher risk (p-0.0001) of developing Computer vision syndrome. About 69.5% students used a computer at the level of the eye but there was a significant reduction in Computer vision syndrome (p-0.0001) among those who had computer screen below the eye level. Association between taking breaks (p-0.0001) and frequent blinking (p-0.0411) during computer use and relief of symptoms was significant. Only 22.9% had pre-existing knowledge of Computer vision syndrome and only 25.5% of them were practicing the ideal viewing distance.Among 80 medical students randomly selected for detail eye examinations (63.7% male;36.2% female), the prevalence of Computer vision syndrome  was 71.6%. The commonest ocular complaint was a headache (50%) and dry eyes (45%). Myopia was the commonest refractive error (31.2%) and the orthoptic problem was prevalent among 17.5% students.Conclusions: The survey showed that Computer vision syndrome is relevant among MBBS students but the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Computer vision syndrome among them is poor.Keywords: Attitude; computer vision syndrome; eyestrain; headache; knowledge; practice; medical students.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (20) ◽  
pp. 1575-1579
Author(s):  
Shantanu Bhattacharjee ◽  
Ipshita Aparajita Nanda

BACKGROUND Computer has become an indispensable tool in the modern system of education and training. Health hazard viz. computer vision syndrome (CVS) associated with overuse of computer has been widely studied by different authors. Few studies have underscored the high prevalence of this condition among medical students. Present study has been conducted to find the prevalence of CVS, associated risk factors and to understand the level of awareness about the condition among undergraduate medical students during a period of exclusive online computerbased lecture classes. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 310 respondents among undergraduate medical students at IQ City Medical College, Durgapur, West Bengal from June 2020 to September 2020. The students were surveyed with pretested and structured questionnaire for various CVS related symptoms and ergonomic principles adopted by them. Data was collected and analysed. Chisquare test was performed to assess the statistical significance. RESULTS Prevalence of CVS in the study was found to be 58.38 %. Majority of students affected were females (69.5 %). Those using the computer for 2 – 4 hours a day were affected the most (66.5 %). The ergonomic factors that were found to have strong association with CVS were viz. prolonged and continuous use of digital screen, viewing distance, level of the digital screen with respect to eyes and chair support to lower back. The most disturbing symptom following continuous computer use was found to be headache (18.38 %), followed by eye strain (13.87 %). CONCLUSIONS The present study was conducted at a period when computer dependency among the students was high. Though some of the earlier studies have reported much higher prevalence of CVS among students, the present study has revealed a prevalence of 58.38 %. This was possibly due to high level of awareness (78.06 %) among medical students as revealed by the study. The study has also showed statistical significance between various ergonomic factors and development of CVS. KEYWORDS Computer Vision Syndrome, Ergonomics, Undergraduate Medical Students, Awareness


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Mohammed Iqbal ◽  
Omar Said ◽  
Ola Ibrahim ◽  
Ashraf Soliman

Purpose. To assess the visual, ocular, extraocular, and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) outcomes of computer vision syndrome (CVS) among medical students. Methods. This study was designed as a cross-sectional case-control study that included 733 medical students. All students completed a specially designed and validated CVS questionnaire survey (CVS-F3). Students from the control (No-CVS) and CVS groups underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations including the mfERG examinations. Our main outcome measures included uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA, resp.) measurements, subjective and cycloplegic refractions, slit-lamp examination, intraocular pressure measurement, pupillary reflexes tests, ocular movements’ tests, dry eye disease tests, and fundus and mfERG examinations. Results. The CVS-F3 identified that 87.9% of students had complaints that might be related to CVS. We documented a 76% prevalence rate in students undergoing an ophthalmologic exam. The most common ocular and extraocular complaints included visual blur and headache (40.9% and 46.8%, resp.). Statistical logistic and linear regression analyses showed that refractive errors, prolonged screen-hours, close eye-screen distance, improper gaze angle, poor screen-resolution, and screen-glare were risk factors for developing CVS and influencing its severity. In the mfERG subgroup, 42.5% demonstrated reduced amplitudes of mfERG rings and quadrants, indicating reduced foveal responses. Conclusion. Surveys cannot yield an accurate CVS prevalence. However, they help to identify subjects at risk who should be comprehensively assessed to confirm or exclude CVS diagnosis. Smartphone misuse primarily caused CVS among users. Our mfERG findings might be a sign of potential CVS visual sequelae; however, future studies are warranted. Clinicians need to understand these sequelae to appropriately identify and treat CVS.


Author(s):  
Concepción De‐Hita‐Cantalejo ◽  
Ángel García‐Pérez ◽  
José‐María Sánchez‐González ◽  
Raúl Capote‐Puente ◽  
María Carmen Sánchez‐González

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