Research Articles
Computer vision syndrome; its prevalence, associated factors and practices among medical undergraduates of University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors:
M.M. Dissanayake ,
Professor and Specialist Ophthalmologist, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, LK
R. Pirannavan,
Demonstrator, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, LK
K.V.H. Nimana,
Demonstrator, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, LK
M.P.S. Fernando,
Demonstrator, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, LK
A.M.D.S.R.U. Senevirathne
Demonstrator, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, LK
Abstract
Introduction and objectives: Computer vision syndrome is a common condition among digital screen users and is increasing among undergraduates with the changeover to online learning brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Main aim of this study was to assess the impact of computer vision syndrome among medical undergraduates in University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Specific objectives included assessing the prevalence, associated risk factors and identifying the practices used by medical undergraduates to overcome the difficulties caused by computer vision syndrome.
Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 231 medical undergraduates of University of Colombo. Data was collected using an online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were generated and analyzed using binary logistic regression and other statistical tests.
Results: Mean age of the population was 22.69 (SD: 1.906) years. The prevalence of CVS was 63.6%. The most reported symptom was headache (78.35%) followed by burning eyes (63.63%). When present, headache was intense in 30.17%. Female gender (p=0.002, OR=2.513), daily total duration of VDT use (p=0.008, OR=1.002) and presence of refractive errors (p=0.002, OR=2.659) were associated significantly with the prevalence of CVS. Adjusting the brightness of the screen was the commonest method practiced to relieve the symptoms (92.64%), while taking frequent breaks (83.98%) was the next in line.
Discussion and conclusions: The prevalence of CVS is over 60% among the medical undergraduates and was significantly associated with female gender, daily total duration of VDT use, and presence of refractive errors. It is timely to raise awareness on CVS and associated factors to improve the effectiveness of online programmes and ocular health of the online users.
How to Cite:
Dissanayake MM, Pirannavan R, Nimana KVH, Fernando MPS, Senevirathne AMDSRU. Computer vision syndrome; its prevalence, associated factors and practices among medical undergraduates of University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Journal of the College of Ophthalmologists of Sri Lanka. 2020;27(1):19–23. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jcosl.v27i1.41
Published on
01 Jun 2020.
Peer Reviewed
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