Computer-Related Visual Symptoms among Undergraduate Computer Users of Asian University for Women

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of computer vision syndrome symptoms in a population of students and examined the association between these symptoms and both dry eye disease and other associated risk factors. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and February 2017 to quantify the prevalence and risk factors for computer vision syndrome and ocular surface disease in 110 undergraduate computer users of Asian University for Women (AUW), Bangladesh. The severity of the disease was measured via the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. Results: Of 110 respondents, a total of 104 (94.5%) respondents reported the presence of CVS symptoms ‘at least some of the time’ during computer operation over a week. The most prevalent symptom was tired eyes, reported by 32.7% of subjects as occurring ‘at least half of the time’. A significant positive correlation was observed between the computer-related visual symptoms and the OSDI, a measure of dry eye. A significant positive correlation was observed between OSDI level and monitor distance (allowing reading the screen without leaning head, neck, or trunk forward / back), the type of refractive correction worn during computer use, and looking at far objects between work. Not adjusting the brightness/contrast setting of the computer/laptop monitor (OR=3, 95% CI=1.18-7.55), using a computer for a long time without taking any break (OR=3.13, 95% CI=1.39-7.04), and use of glasses as refractive correction (OR=2.97, 95% CI=1.23-7.28) were significantly associated with having a higher OSDI level. No significant association was found between the number of hours spent working on a computer and having a higher OSDI level. Conclusion: A large number of undergraduate computer users reported having visual symptoms frequently. These symptoms are strongly associated with ocular surface disease. Preventive measures should be taken to reduce the high prevalence of CVS symptoms and ocular surface disease.