Awareness and prevalence on computer vision syndrome among medical students: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

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.