Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS): the assessment of prevalence and associated risk factors among the students of the American University of Armenia

Abstract

The use of Video Display Terminal (VDT) devices, such as computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, e-readers, and other digital devices, has now become an important part of human life. The frequent usage of VDT devices has given rise to a complex of ocular and non-ocular symptoms termed Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), which might occur in individuals with varying frequency and intensity. Prolonged duration of computer use, abnormal seating position and viewing distances, and lack of protective practice while using digital devices have been shown to be associated with CVS. Few studies have measured the prevalence and population-specific CVS-associated risk factors. The proposed study aims to assess the prevalence of CVS and associated risk factors among undergraduate students, aged 18 and above, at the American University of Armenia (AUA). A cross-sectional survey with the self- administered questionnaire, which was developed using a validated tool such as CVS-Q and other questionnaires used locally and internationally, will be conducted among the AUA undergraduates. The dependent variable will be the presence or absence of CVS, and the independent variables will include duration of computer use, seating position, screen distance, screen glare, use of blue-light emitting devices, brightness of the surrounding environment, uncorrected refractive errors, presence of chronic systemic and eye diseases, smoking, medication use and protective practices utilized by students, such as taking breaks, blinking behavior, screen contrast adjustment, lubricant eye drops, and anti-glare filter use. Data analysis will be done in SPSS version 23.0. A descriptive analysis will be done using means, SDs, and percentages. Simple logistic regression will be completed to assess bivariate associations between CVS and the independent variables. Multiple logistic regression will assess the association of CVS with the independent variables in the adjusted analysis. The study obtained ethical approval from the AUA Institutional Review Board (IRB). A pilot study was conducted using to assess the feasibility and appropriateness of the proposed sampling approach and study tool. The study found a 78.6% prevalence of CVS in the pilot sample. The proposed study can help to develop a strategy to prevent ophthalmic complications due to the use of VDT devices in Armenian population.