Unavoidable online education due to COVID-19 and its association to computer vision syndrome: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, online education and entertainment have increased significantly due to strict isolation and frequent lockdowns. This study intended to explore the prevalence and potential factors associated with computer vision syndrome (CVS) among the postsecondary students of Bangladesh pursuing online education.MethodsIn total, there were 917 postsecondary students participated in this study. Information on sociodemographic variables, and CVS symptom-related variables were collected using a prevalidated self-administered questionnaire. The CVS questionnaire was used to assess an individual’s CVS status. The bivariate association between CVS and other categorical variables was obtained using a χ2 test. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to explore variables associated with the CVS.ResultsThe overall prevalence of CVS was 68.16%. Most common symptoms were headache (42.4%), feeling of worsening eyesight (23.2%), and eye pain (23.2%). CVS was associated with educational status (p=0.03), family history of eye-related problems (p<0.001), personal history of eye-related problems (p<0.001), usage of eye accessories (p<0.001), type of device used for online education (p<0.01), average daily use (p<0.01), and usage pattern (p=0.02). After adjusting for confounders, CVS was significantly related to the use of mobile or tablet (adjusted OR, AOR 8.954, 95% CI 1.57 to 51.063), continuing online education for more than 12 hours/day without any break or insufficient break (AOR 7.654, 95% CI 1.625 to 36.053), and previous family (AOR 3.189, 95% CI 1.751 to 5.811) or personal history of eye problems or headaches, or insomnia (AOR 6.214, 95% CI 2.783 to 13.878).ConclusionA high prevalence of CVS was observed among the post-secondary students in Bangladesh. Since an extensive use of digital screens is somewhat unavoidable during unprecedented times, such as COVID-19, educators should include CVS awareness and prevention in their curricula.

Analysis of the Outcomes of the Screen-Time Reduction in Computer Vision Syndrome: A Cohort Comparative Study

“… 7–12 , 14–19 , 22 , 30 , 35–39 Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the average daily students’ requirements of total screen-hours for online learning and augmented the need for the educational mandated computer system use program. 9 , 28 , 30 , 33 , 35–39 Thus, we require more awareness campaigns to increase students’ awareness of CVS hazards and protective measures. 9 , 22 , 29 , 31 , 34 , 36 …”

“… 9 , 28 , 30 , 33 , 35–39 Thus, we require more awareness campaigns to increase students’ awareness of CVS hazards and protective measures. 9 , 22 , 29 , 31 , 34 , 36 …”

“…Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a multifactorial syndrome that basically affects the eye, the musculoskeletal system, the circadian rhythms, the behavioral and sleep patterns, the social lifestyle, the occupational performances, and the public health. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] The American Optometric Association defined CVS as a group of eye-related and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, laptop, e-reader and cell phone use. 1 The ocular complaints include dry eye disease (DED), visual blur, reduced visual performances, eye strain, asthenopia, accommodation-convergence imbalance, diplopia, and near objects visualization difficulties.…”

“…The prevalence rate of CVS varies from less than 50% to over 90% according to age, occupation, country, and education. [7][8][9][10][11][12][14][15][16][17][18][19]22,30,[35][36][37][38][39] Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the average daily students' requirements of total screen-hours for online learning and augmented the need for the educational mandated computer system use program. 9,28,30,33,[35][36][37][38][39] Thus, we require more awareness campaigns to increase students' awareness of CVS hazards and protective measures.…”

“…[7][8][9][10][11][12][14][15][16][17][18][19]22,30,[35][36][37][38][39] Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the average daily students' requirements of total screen-hours for online learning and augmented the need for the educational mandated computer system use program. 9,28,30,33,[35][36][37][38][39] Thus, we require more awareness campaigns to increase students' awareness of CVS hazards and protective measures. 9,22,29,31,34,36 Several studies concluded that the unexplained reduction in the visual functions and performances could be attributed to the smartphones and digital screens.…”