A Study of Prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome in MBBS Students at a Medical College

Background: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), or digital eye strain, is a group of eye and vision-related problems resulting from prolonged use of digital screens such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. Symptoms include eye strain, dryness, headaches, blurred vision, and neck pain. The condition is increasingly prevalent with rising screen time, highlighting the need for awareness and preventive measures. This study was done to determine the prevalence of CVS in medical students of this institute. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study conducted after obtaining written consent from medical students, of a medical college and hospital. Data collected included demographic profiles, patterns of computer/mobile and visual display terminal usage, symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS), and precautions taken to mitigate its effects. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 in Windows format. Results: The prevalence of CVS in our study was approximately 71.5% of the study participants exhibited symptoms of CVS, indicating a high prevalence. Prolonged Screen Time: A strong association between increased screen usage and the development of CVS symptoms was observed. Over 64% of participants spent more than 3 hours daily on digital screens. While refractive surgery can be a factor, other factors like prolonged screen time and environmental conditions seem to play a more significant role in the development of dry eye. Approximately 10.8% of participants had undergone refractive surgery. Conclusion: From the data arising out of the present study it can be safely concluded that well over three-fourths of the medical students and faculty had developed at least one or other form of CVS. Headache was the most common complaint reported (24%) followed by eye strain (11%). These other common symptoms included dry eye, eye strain, and blurred vision. Likewise, the Students who used mobiles or laptops for more than 2 hours a day as compared to those with less than 2 hours of usage had increased chances of developing CVS symptoms if protective measures such as display filters were not used.