Computer vision syndrome among office staff using desktop computers in Southern India

Introduction Inappropriate ergonomic practices while working with computers for long hours have resulted in several health problems among desktop computer users. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the occupational health problems, such as computer vision syndrome (CVS) and its determinants, among desktop computer users. Subjects and methods This cross-sectional study included 92 desktop computer users employed in teaching institutions and hospitals of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education Campus in Mangalore, Manipal, India. The retrospective data on occupational health problems among them over the past year were collected via a structured interview schedule. Results The median number of years of work experience among the participants was 8 years (interquartile range=5–15 years). The most common occupational health problems among them were CVS in 49 (53.3%) participants and low backache in 34 (37%) participants. The distance of the center of the computer screen from the eyes was found to be less than 25 inches (inadequate distance) among 23 (25%) computer users at their workplace. Hardly 19 (20.6%) participants were aware of the 20–20–20 rule, and among them, only 15 practiced that rule. Three-fourths of them did not always practice all the recommended ergonomic practices while working on their desktop computers. Among the participants, female participants, those with average computer usage of more than 7 h per day over the past year, and those not practicing all the recommended ergonomic practices always while working on desktop computers were associated with CVS. Conclusion Computer viewing hours should be restricted to 7 h or less in the workplace. Awareness and practice of all recommended ergonomic practices are always required among desktop computer users.