Computer Vision Syndrome in Digital Era: A Cross-sectional Study on its Prevalence, Risk Factors and Protective Behaviours among Young Adults

Introduction: The increasing use of digital screens among young adults has led to a surge in cases of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), a condition characterised by eye and vision problems related to prolonged screen exposure. Aim: To determine the prevalence of CVS and assess associated risk factors and protective measures for preventing CVS among young adults. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional clinical study was conducted among 166 individuals aged 21-30 years with significant daily screen time at Smt. B. K. Shah Medical College, Dhiraj Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, from October 2022 to December 2023. Participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation, including assessment of CVS-related symptomatology, Schirmer’s I and II tests, Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT), and visual acuity testing. Data regarding screen use, symptoms, and break habits were collected and analysed using Fisher’s exact test and the Chi-square test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 166 participants aged between 21 and 30 years were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the participants was 25±3 years, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 1:0.64. Common symptoms of CVS included dryness, burning sensation, and blurred vision. The prevalence of CVS was observed in 121 participants (72.89%). Associated risk factors included prolonged screen time (>4-6 hours) and inadequate break intervals. Approximately 65.66% of participants took breaks of more than one minute per hour. Protective measures included taking sufficient breaks of ≥20 seconds every 20 minutes (i.e., ≥1 minute per hour). Conclusion: CVS is highly prevalent among young adults with extensive screen exposure, with dry eye and blurred vision being the most common complaints. Preventive strategies such as frequent breaks, ergonomic adjustments, and regular ophthalmic evaluations are essential.