Eyeing computer vision syndrome: Awareness, knowledge, and its impact on sleep quality among medical students

Abstract

Background:Computer vision syndrome (CVS) encompasses a constellation of ocular and extraocular symptoms in computer users who either habitually or compulsively use computers for long periods of time. Electronic devices such as computers, smart phones, and tablets emit blue light (400–490 nm) from their light-emitting diodes and produce electromagnetic fields, both of which interfere with the circadian rhythm.Aim:This study aims to assess the awareness, knowledge, and impact on sleep quality of CVS among medical students.Materials and Methods:This study included 500 medical students. All participants anonymously filled up a pro forma including sociodemographic details and three questionnaires that (a) tested for awareness and knowledge about CVS, (b) tested for CVS, and (c) the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), respectively. Data from 463 complete questionnaires were analyzed.Results:The mean (±standard deviation) age of the 463 individuals was 19.55 (±1.04) years. The prevalence of CVS was 77.5%. The prevalence was higher in boys (80.23%) compared to girls (75.87%), but the difference was not statistically significant. Only 34.1% of the medical students were aware of CVS. Good knowledge regarding various aspects of CVS was observed in 22.46% individuals, while 53.99% and 23.56% had average and poor knowledge, respectively. Poor sleep quality was present in 75.49% of individuals with CVS compared to 50.96% of students without CVS; the difference was statistically significant (odd's ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.338 [0.214–0.531]). All the components of PSQI score, except components 1 and 6, had statistically significantly (P < 0.05) higher values in individuals with CVS as compared to individuals without CVS.Conclusions:There is high prevalence but low level of awareness and knowledge about CVS among medical students. CVS is significantly associated with poor sleep quality in medical students.

Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on digital device-related ocular health

“…Sleep pattern disruption was more frequent in individuals who reported a longer screen time, as reported by numerous studies. [ 2 31 ]…”

“…According to the American Optometric Association, as little as two hours of continuous digital device usage per day is enough to bring about the development of an array of eye and vision related problems, and is referred to as digital eye strain. [ 1 ] Prolonged usage of these devices is not only a stressor on the visual system but also causes musculoskeletal strain[ 2 3 4 ] and circadian disturbances,[ 2 5 6 ] and these make up the umbrella diagnosis of computer vision syndrome (though the terms digital eye strain and computer vision syndrome are often used interchangeably throughout the literature).…”

Effectiveness on knowledge about computer vision syndrome among medical coding trainee in medical coding training institute in urban Chennai, Tamil Nadu – A cross- sectional study

“…Though our study had literates (100%) the level of knowledge about Computer Vision Syndrome was low in the pre-test session similar to studies by Getasew AM et al .,[ 20 ] Patil A et al . [ 4 ] suggesting that a serious knowledge gap exists about CVS in the studied population and possibly in the general population.…”

“…So, it is likely that CVS will continue to create reducing QOL among the workers/students and also creating significant reduced productivity at work/studies. [ 3 4 5 ]…”

The frequency of symptoms of computer vision syndrome among medical college students in Islamabad.

“…17 Hence in order to avoid trouble and to counteract its negative effects on health, there is need for increasing knowledge regarding accurate use of preventive measures regarding CVS among medical college students. 18…”