Association between Poor Ergophthalmologic Practices and Computer Vision Syndrome among University Administrative Staff in Ghana

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS) and its associated ergonomic factors among university administrative staff in Ghana. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 administrative staff of the University of Cape Coast. The procedure included a self-administered questionnaire, comprehensive ocular health examination, and assessment of computer workstation and lighting conditions. The prevalence of CVS among the subjects and the association between CVS and ergonomic practices were determined. Results. The mean age of the study sample was 31.0 ± 4.7 years, and the majority were males (56.0%). The prevalence of CVS was among 103 (51.5%)participants. Over a third of the respondents used computers for 6 or more hours daily. Significant association was found between CVS and poor ergonomic practices (χ = 15.175, p=0.001). Conclusion. In addition to poor ergonomic office setup, university administrative staff spend several hours behind computer screens leading to the development of CVS. Increased awareness of CVS and adherence to recommended ergonomic practices are necessary to reduce the prevalence of CVS and ultimately enhance work satisfaction and productivity.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Computer Vision Syndrome Among Academic Staff in the University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study

“…This result is in agreement with the report of other studies. 3 , 13 , 37 , 71 We also found a reliable result that goes along the results of the aforementioned studies. A possible suggestion for this finding could be that extreme illumination, whether too much or too low, is a contributing factor to CVS symptoms.…”

“… 13 , 29 , 30 In addition, scholars have explored that CVS is associated with work and environmental-related characteristics including workplace illumination level, glare, antiglare filter, use of eye drops, window curtains, and brightness of computer screen. 3 , 19 , 25 , 27 , 31 - 33 …”

Computer Visual Syndrome in Medical Students From a Private University in Paraguay: A Survey Study

“…Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is defined as "a group of visual and ocular problems related to the prolonged use of computers and devices with video terminals" (1). This syndrome is determined by three mechanisms: the extra ocular mechanism, due to poor posture in front of computer devices, causing musculoskeletal symptoms; accommodative mechanism produces blurred vision, diplopia, myopia and delay in the change of focus; and finally, the ocular surface mechanism, which is related to corneal dryness, reduced blink rate, increased corneal exposure caused by horizontal gaze at the screen of computing devices (2)(3)(4)(5). Currently it is estimated that there are 60 million people who suffer from CVS (6), this is due to the fact that today the hours spent in front of an electronic screen are more constant, in order to meet the demands of the modern world (7).…”

Digital Device Use, Computer Vision Syndrome, and Sleep Quality among an African Undergraduate Population

“…Computer vision syndrome reduces work efficiency and productivity, causing increased work errors and reduced job satisfaction [9]. Symptoms of CVS can have ocular etiologies such as uncorrected refractive errors, accommodative dysfunction, and binocular vision abnormalities [10] or ergonomic etiologies such as poor sitting position, improper viewing distance and angle, poor display resolution and contrast, poor lighting, and imbalance between display and environmental lighting [11][12][13].…”