Computer Vision Syndrome among Undergraduate Medical Students in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

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 stud...

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Main Authors: Ghufran A. Abudawood, Heba M. Ashi, Nawaf K. Almarzouki
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2020-01-01
Series:Journal of Ophthalmology
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2020/2789376
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author Ghufran A. Abudawood
Heba M. Ashi
Nawaf K. Almarzouki
author_facet Ghufran A. Abudawood
Heba M. Ashi
Nawaf K. Almarzouki
author_sort Ghufran A. Abudawood
collection DOAJ
description 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.
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spelling doaj-art-56057b263ce3452f9c667f95fafe4e662025-08-20T03:20:20ZengWileyJournal of Ophthalmology2090-004X2090-00582020-01-01202010.1155/2020/27893762789376Computer Vision Syndrome among Undergraduate Medical Students in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaGhufran A. Abudawood0Heba M. Ashi1Nawaf K. Almarzouki2Department of Ophthalmology, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah 21589, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Ophthalmology, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah 21589, Saudi ArabiaIntroduction. 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.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2020/2789376
spellingShingle Ghufran A. Abudawood
Heba M. Ashi
Nawaf K. Almarzouki
Computer Vision Syndrome among Undergraduate Medical Students in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Journal of Ophthalmology
title Computer Vision Syndrome among Undergraduate Medical Students in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
title_full Computer Vision Syndrome among Undergraduate Medical Students in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
title_fullStr Computer Vision Syndrome among Undergraduate Medical Students in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
title_full_unstemmed Computer Vision Syndrome among Undergraduate Medical Students in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
title_short Computer Vision Syndrome among Undergraduate Medical Students in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
title_sort computer vision syndrome among undergraduate medical students in king abdulaziz university jeddah saudi arabia
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2020/2789376
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