Computer vision syndrome and its preventive ergonomic practices among undergraduate medical and health science students in the United Arab Emirates

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) has become increasingly prevalent among university students due to the widespread use of digital devices for academic and personal activities. This multicenter cross- sectional study estimated the prevalence of CVS, characterized digital device use and ergonomic practices, and identified factors associated with CVS among undergraduate medical and health sciences students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). CVS was assessed using the validated Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire, which evaluates the frequency and intensity of 16 ocular and visual symptoms; a total score ≥ 6 indicates CVS. Data from 503 participants (median age: 20 years; 70% female) were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression in R version 4.4.1. The prevalence of CVS was 73% (95% CI: 69–77). The most frequently reported symptoms were dry eyes (34%), worsening eyesight (23%), headache (21%), and photophobia (21%). Preventive ergonomic practices were inconsistently adopted, with only 13% of participants reporting appropriate sitting posture during screen use. In multivariable analysis, female students (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2. 04, 95% CI: 1. 29–3. 24), students attending public universities (aOR = 3. 10, 95% CI: 1. 85–5. 26), those in Years 3–4 of study (aOR = 2. 52, 95% CI: 1. 27–5. 22), students with pre- existing eye conditions (aOR = 2. 63, 95% CI: 1. 71–4. 10), those who primarily used digital devices for communication or entertainment rather than academic purposes (aOR = 1. 82, 95% CI: 1. 19–2. 80), and those taking screen breaks only every two hours (aOR = 2. 13, 95% CI: 1. 18–3. 97) had significantly higher odds of CVS. CVS is highly prevalent among undergraduate medical and health sciences students in the UAE and is associated with demographic, ocular, and behavioral factors. These findings highlight the need for university- based visual health promotion programs that emphasize ergonomic education, regular visual breaks, and early identification of students with underlying ocular conditions to reduce the burden of CVS in increasing digital learning environments.