Computer Vision Syndrome

Background: The increasing use of computers and electronic devices is rapidly increasing the related health issues of computer vision syndrome. Studies have identified longer use of computers, ergonomic practices as lighting condition of room, incorrect distance between eye and computer, refresh rate, use of spectacles were associated with computer vision syndrome (CVS) symptoms as back pain, tension, headache and others. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of CVS among computer engineering students of Pokhara University affiliated colleges of Kathmandu Valley and identify the associated factors and preventive measures being practiced by the students.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out using self-administered questionnaire among 234 undergraduate computer engineering students of Kathmandu Valley. Chi-square test was used to identify the association with computer vision syndrome and its determinants.

Results: The prevalence of computer vision syndrome among the computer engineering students was found to be 76.50%. Only 39.3% were found to be using computer in upright with straight back posture and 73.5% were using computer at distance less than or equal to 50 cm. The 81.2% of participants were not following the 20/20/20 rule. During age, use of vision aid lens and use of protective eye glasses and artificial eye drops were found associated with CVS.

Conclusions:The study revealed that the prevalence of computer vision syndrome was significantly high. Individuals using vision aid lens were found to be at risk of developing CVS and use of protective eye glass and artificial tears were found protective.

Ambient illuminance and screen luminance have a significant influence on the visual fatigue and visual performance associated with the use of computers. The current study was conducted to investigate optimal screen luminance under different ambient illuminances and fit a curve of the optimum luminance of LCD screens under evening illumination. Thirty-three participants were assigned to rate screen brightness, visual comfort with screen luminance, satisfaction with ambient illuminance and visual fatigue under six screen luminance levels (3.87, 21.47, 42.74, 64.12, 84.77 and 106.7 cd/m2) combined with five ambient illuminance levels (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 lx) in the evening. The results showed that optimum LCD screen luminance increased with increasing ambient
illuminance. Moreover, ambient illuminance and screen luminance levels should be in the range of 13.08–62.16 lx and 20.63–75.15 cd/m2, respectively, to obtain the optimal subjective feelings of visual fatigue and visual comfort during the evening.