Ergonomic and Ophthalmic Risk Factors for Ocular Discomfort in Computer Operators: A Case Study in Anambra State

Long-term use of computers and cell phones can cause computer visual syndrome, a condition that is of concern worldwide and causes dry eyes. Anambra State computer operators were the focus of the study, which sought to determine the ocular difficulties faced by computer screen users. A sphygmomanometer, Snellen's test chart, and a structured questionnaire were used in this descriptive cross-sectional study, which involved 381 participants in three senatorial zones of Anambra State. SPSS version 25 was used to analyse the data, using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Significant values were set at p≤0.05. The findings indicated that the most common age group was 21–25 years, OND had 29.9%, and males (51.9%) outnumbered females (48.1%). Although both shortsightedness and longsightedness were the most common eye defects, a low prevalence rate of history of eye defects (15.2%) was suggested, with longsightedness being the most common (5.2%). Impaired vision was one of the most prevalent eye defects (26%), and a good level of awareness (78.5%) of eye defects was indicated. Light sensitivity was the main issue faced, accounting for 11.5% of the low prevalence of ocular challenges (34.6%). The majority (26.3%) had shortsightedness of 20/50, 15% had pterygium, and the highest percentage (35.7%) had near-normal vision. Dust accounted for 47.8% of the environmental challenges faced, and gender significantly correlated with the types of eye defect history (p = 0.003) and the history of eye defects (p = 0.028). Neither the types of eye defect history (p = 0.178) nor the history of eye defects (p = 0.060) were significantly correlated with age. Computer use is challenged by a significant correlation between age, gender, and educational attainment (p = 0.04, p = 0.00, p = 0.00). According to the study's findings, there is a low prevalence of ophthalmic challenges and a good level of awareness about eye defects. Gender, age, and educational attainment have all been foun