Eye Sight - A Bull's Eye Target of COVID-19

Aim: To determine the effect of COVID-19 on eye sight due to increase screen time in undergraduate students of medical school. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Place and duration of study: This survey was carried out from October 2022 to December 2022 in Army Medical College Rawalpindi. Questionnaires were filled in person and also online-based platform was used to distribute the e-questionnaire, developed using the Google Form. The participants were asked to share the e-questionnaire with their friends using Facebook and Messenger. Method(s): Participants were selected for the study using non-probability consecutive sampling. College students of 20-25 years were included in the study. Sample size was 400 according to a study done internationally. Participants with comorbidities (cataract, glaucoma) were excluded from study. Participants having (trouble concentrating on things such as reading the newspaper, books or watching television) were included in the study. Digital eye strain was calculated using validated computer vision syndrome (CVS-Q) questionnaire to measure the symptoms such as eye fatigue, headache, blurred vision, double vision, itching eyes, dryness, tears, eye redness and pain, excessive blinking, feeling of a foreign body, burning or irritation, difficulty in focusing for near vision, feeling of sight worsening, and sensitivity to light. Qualitative data was analyzed using Chi square test. Results A total number of 470 responses were recorded, out of which 257 (54.7%) were males and 213(45.3%) were females. In our study, the most common symptom was headache, affecting 58.1% of the population before COVID 19 which has increased to 83.2% and the P value is less than 0.001.Theother symptoms which also showed P value less than 0.001 were blurred vision while using digital device, irritated or burning eyes, dry eyes and sensitivity to bright light. Conclusion The practical implication of the study is to create awareness among general population about COVID, that eye sight is Bull`s Target to be affected by it and simple preventing measures can be taken. The purpose of this study is to limelight the importance that during COVID 19 lockdown the excessive use of digital devices and their cons on the ocular health among future health care workers.Copyright © 2023 Lahore Medical And Dental College. All rights reserved.

Computer vision syndrome-related symptoms in presbyopic computer workers.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS)-related symptoms in a presbyopic population using the computer as the main work tool, as well as the relationship of CVS with the electronic device use habits and the ergonomic factors. METHODS: A sample of 198 presbyopic participants (aged 45-65 years) who regularly work with a computer completed a customised questionnaire divided into: general demographics, optical correction commonly used and for work, habits of electronic devices use, ergonomic conditions during the working hours and CVS-related symptoms during work performance. A total of 10 CVS-related symptoms were questioned indicating the severity with which they occurred (0-4) and the median total symptom score (MTSS) was calculated as the sum of the symptoms. RESULTS: The MTSS in this presbyopic population is 7 ± 5 symptoms. The most common symptoms reported by participants are dry eyes, tired eyes and difficulties in refocusing. MTSS is higher in women (p < 0.05), in laptop computer users (p < 0.05) and in teleworkers compared to office workers (p < 0.05). Regarding ergonomic conditions, MTSS is higher in participants who do not take breaks while working (p < 0.05), who have an inadequately lighting in the workspace (p < 0.05) and in the participants reporting neck (p < 0.01) or back pain (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between CVS-related symptoms, the use of electronic devices and the ergonomic factors, which indicates the importance of adapting workplaces, especially for home-based teleworkers, and following basic visual ergonomics rules.

The 20/20/20 rule: Practicing pattern and associations with asthenopic symptoms.

Purpose: The present work style and lifestyle have increased the digital device use. Therefore, an increase in digital eyestrain is to be expected. We undertook a survey during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to investigate the practice of 20/20/20 rule and its association with digital device use and asthenopic symptoms. While this rule is commonly advised, little is known about its validity. Methods: An online survey form was disseminated through social media and emails. The questions for eye-related symptoms were similar to the convergence insufficiency symptom survey (CISS). Participants with age ≥5 years were included, with parents completing the survey for children (≤16 years). Results: A total of 432 participants (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: 26.06 ± 13.92 years) were enrolled, of which 125 responses were for children. The 20/20/20 rule was practiced only by 34% of the participants either regularly (n = 38) or occasionally (n = 109). Those who had complaints of burning sensation and headache tended to practice this rule. Among adult participants, more females (47%) practiced this rule when compared to males (23%). Also, adult females significantly (P = 0.04) had more symptoms score when compared to males. In children, no such gender difference was found. Conclusion: Only one-third of participants practice the 20/20/20 rule at least occasionally. More number of adult females being symptomatic and practicing in greater number could be due to higher prevalence of dry eye condition in females. While the symptom of burning sensation could be related to dry eye, that of headache could be related to refractive error or binocular vision dysfunctions.

Determinants of digital eye strain among university students in a district of India: a cross-sectional study.

Aim: Digital device usage, especially during the pandemic, has catapulted into a new age problem, the computer vision syndrome. This study aimed to quantify the prevalence and determinants of digital eye strain (DES). Subject and Methods: A total of 345 university students in India were surveyed in June-July 2022, by a validated tool, the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) © in this cross-sectional study. According to American Optometric Association, digital eye strain and computer vision syndrome are synonyms. Non-parametric tests of medians were used to compare the median DES scores, Chi square test to compare categorical variables, and binary logistic regression to find the determinants of DES. Results: The average age of the study participants was 21.0 ± 2.2 years, ranging between 18-26 years with 52.8% females and 47.2% males. The prevalence of DES was 45.5% (CI 95% = 40.2%-50.8%). Any existing eye disease (p-value = 0.000, OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.26-0.65), average daily screen time (p-value = 0.001, OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.22-2.13) and using gadgets in the dark (p-value = 0.000, OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.23-0.61) were significant determinants of the same. Conclusion: Framing guidelines limiting the hours allotted for online classes for university students are imperative, with promotion of ergonomic practices for digital device usage such as blue light filters and night mode on devices.

Population perceived eye strain due to digital devices usage during COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: To assess the magnitude severity and determinants of eyestrain and the use of digital devices in a Saudi population during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. METHODS: This web-based survey was conducted in September 2020 and enrolled only Saudi nationals 15 years or older. Data were collected on demographics, eye strain related symptoms, severity, and the use of optical aids during the COVID-19 lockdown. The frequency and severity of eye strain were calculated. A Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) score was graded as none/mild moderate and severe, based on the sum of 15-eye strain related signs and symptoms. Correlation analysis was performed for determinants of CVS. RESULTS: The study sample was comprised of 2009 individuals with median age of 20 years. Among those who used digital devices for more than 6 h daily, the main reasons for use were work and social purposes among 68.4%, and 61% of respondents, respectively. The prevalence of knowledge on CVS and the '20-20 rule for using digital devices' was 9.4% and 6.9, respectively. The most common symptoms of eye strain from digital device usage were headache, burning, itching, tearing, and redness of eyes. Six hours of daily usage of digital devices was positively associated to the grade of eye strain severity during the COVID-19 lockdown (P < 0.05)). CONCLUSION: The Saudi population experienced eye strain during COVID-19 lockdown due to excessive digital devices usage. Longer duration of digital device usage was associated to eye strain. Health care providers should educate the general population on measures to mitigate eye strain due to digital devices. Trial registration ID None applicable.

Spotlight on Digital Eye Strain.

Digital Eye Strain (DES) is a clinical syndrome manifested with visual disturbances and/or ophthalmic dysfunction related to the usage of screen-enabled digital equipment. This term is gradually replacing the older term computer vision syndrome (CVS) that focused on the same symptoms found on personal computer users. DES is encountered more frequently during the past years due to the explosive increase in the usage of digital devices and subsequent increase in time in front of any screens. It presents with a series of atypical symptoms and signs stemming from asthenopia, dry eye syndrome, preexisting untreated vision issues and poor screen ergonomics. This review summarizes research data to date to determine whether the concept of DES has been conclusively defined and demarcated as a separate entity and if sufficient guidance is offered on professionals and the lay public. The maturity of the field, grouping of symptoms, examination techniques, treatment and prevention modalities are summarily presented.

Progress of medical undergraduates to an era of computer vision syndrome and insomnia as an aftermath of increased digitalization during covid-19 pandemic

Background: WHO declared COVID 19 as a global pandemic in March 2020. Lockdown and travel restrictions were imposed in most countries including India, to reduce the spread of SARS-COV-2 Virus and reduce mortality. Aftermath of this was that technology has become the only tool for people to interact, communicate and even to continue their responsibilities. Educational institutions including Medical colleges were closed globally, pedagogical innovations including technology and simulation based teaching were brought to the forefront during the current pandemic worldwide. This lead to excessive exposure to digital screen for any reason, be it for education or entertainment. Aim & Objective: To estimate the prevalence of computer vision syndrome and to identify whether medical undergraduates suffered from sleep disorder like insomnia during Covid -19 pandemic as well as to assess the relationship between insomnia and computer vision syndrome in these students. Method(s): Descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on medical undergraduates with Questionnaires based on Google form. The survey instruments were Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) to assess the frequency of (i) symptoms of computer vision syndrome/ digital eye strain, pattern of computer usage and (ii) Insomnia severity index questionnaire including the demographic details of the participants. Result(s): The study shows that e-learning by medical undergraduates during the COVID 19 pandemic has given rise to various side effects leading to deterioration of their health parameters. Most common effects were both ocular as well as non-ocular symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Even clinical insomnia of moderate severity was reported by 70% of the participants. Conclusion(s): Health issues related to excessive use of digital devices has become alarmingly high during COVID-19 pandemic. Preventive measures to reduce Computer vision syndrome associated symptoms and Insomnia should also be imparted to the students. There is also an urgent need to make an institutional policy involving all stakeholders to formulate effective strategies to prevent young generation from the detrimental health effects of excessive digitalization during the pandemic.Copyright © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of computer vision syndrome among medical students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS) among university medical students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after establishing remote learning during COVID-19 pandemic and to compare settings of electronic device usage and patterns of CVS protective measures applied by students before and during this pandemic. METHODS: This is an observational descriptive cross-sectional study which included 1st to 5th year medical students who were actively enrolled at the governmental colleges of medicine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the COVID-19 lockdown. The sample size was estimated to be 287 medical students. Participants were asked to volunteer and fill an electronic online questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 300 medical students were included in this study. 94.0% reported at least one symptom of CVS, while 67% reported having more than three symptoms. The most frequently reported symptoms were musculoskeletal pain (84.3%), headache (71.1%) and dry eyes (68%). Thirty-eight percent of the students experienced more severe symptoms, while 48% experienced more frequent symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk factors for having three or more symptoms were being a female (p < 0.001) and using electronic devices for longer periods (6.8 h ± 2.8) during COVID-19 lockdown (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CVS prevalence during COVID-19 era among medical students is high. This necessitates increasing the awareness of CVS and its preventive measures.

Risk factors of computer vision syndrome in students during online learning period

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a risk of increasing cases of computer vision syndrome (CVS) due to changes in the environment for work and study because of the implementation of the Work/Study from Home policy. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with CVS in students. The study design was cross-sectional with the population of bachelor program students, with a sample size of 124 students. Data were collected through online questionnaires. Data analysis was carried out to study the statistical relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable using the Chi-Square test. This study showed that the prevalence of CVS among students was 87.1%. The analysis showed that one variable had a significant relationship with CVS in students, namely emotional exhaustion (OR 5.47, 95% CI: 1.75-17.02). Another variable, although not significant, was considered to play a role as a risk factor for CVS, namely the duration of computer use (OR 4.75, 95% CI: 1.02-22.25). Emotional exhaustion and duration of computer use are important risk factors in the occurrence of CVS in students during the online learning period. It is necessary to increase socialization regarding the ergonomics of using computers and stress management to prevent CVS in students. © 2023, Intelektual Pustaka Media Utama. All rights reserved.

Advance Eye wear with warm white LEDs: A Preventive Approach Against Asthenopia in Post-covid Era

"Eyes are windows to the soul" - we can smell a rose but cannot see the immense beauty of it without eyes. Dramatic increase in asthenopic symptoms in the students and workers caused by electricity outage is common ocular problem in the rural areas of India. Moreover, Computer vision syndrome (CVS) has extended their deteriorative arms worldwide in post-COVID era due to increased screentime by extensive use of digital gadgets. Blue light released from digital gadgets causes macular degeneration through various factors including oxidative stress. Thus, there is a dire need of mitigative measures against CVS and electricity outage mediated asthenopic symptoms. The aim of the present study was to develop a preventive measure against asthenopia induced mental and ocular disorder. A spectacle frame having blue light blocking glasses along with strip of warm white LED was taken. The hollow temples of spectacles had a wire which was connected to LED strip on one end and another end was connected with neck band having rechargeable battery and intensity regulator feature. A prototype of advance eyewear was developed and patent was published (IPR Application no. 202211006479). Product of this prototype will be developed and commercialized through optical agencies (under discussion with Lenskart & Royal son). First 1 00 samples of the product will be distributed to the students of rural areas under community services. Therefore, it's most plausible applications may be Used as a preventive approach against asthenopia caused by electricity outage and CVS.Useful for the professionals working in dark areas (mechanic, Plumber, Electrician etc).

The relationship between visual display terminal usage at work and symptoms related to computer vision syndrome.

Background: Although it is well known that the usage of visual display terminal (VDT) at the workplace causes computer vision syndrome (CVS), previous studies mainly focused on computer use and the health of white-collar workers. In this study, we explored the relationship between the usage of VDT including various devices, and symptoms related to CVS in a large population including pink-collar workers and blue-collar workers. Methods: 21,304 wage workers over the age of 20 years were analyzed from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey. To investigate the association between VDT use at work and symptoms related to CVS among wage workers, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by multivariate logistic regression models. Results: In the group with the highest VDT usage at work, the OR of headache/eyestrain was 2.16 (95% CI: 1.86-2.52). The OR of suspected CVS patients was significantly increased in the highest group of usage of VDT at work (OR: 1.69; 95% CI, 1.39-2.06). Compare with the reference group, the OR for headache/eyestrain in the highest group of VDT usage was 2.81 (95% CI: 2.13-3.70) in white-collar workers, 1.78 (95% CI: 1.32-2.40) in pink-collar workers, and 1.59 (95% CI: 1.18-2.15) in blue-collar workers. Conclusions: We observed a relationship in which the use of VDT in the workplace increases the risk of headache/eyestrain regardless of occupational classification. Our findings emphasize the importance of paying attention to the health of VDT workers and making plans to improve their working conditions.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Super Enhanced Single Vision Lens 01 (SESL01) in reducing symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS): A study protocol for a double-blind, two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The increased use of digital devices has implications for health and, particularly, the eyes, due to Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Millions of individuals of all ages are at risk of CVS, and its prevalence ranges from 25% to 93%. This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of the Super Enhanced Single Vision Lens 01 (SESL01) versus standard single vision lens in reducing symptoms of CVS assessed by the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q®) scores. METHOD: A double-blind, two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the University of Central Lancashire, Preston (UK), recruiting students and staff with CVS-Q score ≥ 6. A 1:1 randomization and a sample size of 300 participants will be sufficient to detect a 2-point difference in the CVS-Q score between the intervention and control groups with an alpha of 5%, two-sided, allowing for a dropout of 10%. The control group will use standard single vision lenses, and the intervention group SESL01. The primary outcome to week 14 will be the difference in the CVS-Q score between SESL01 and standard single vision lenses. Secondary outcomes include the percentage of participants with CVS-Q score < 6 (no symptoms) and CVS-Q score ≥ 6 (symptoms) in the SESL01 and the standard single vision group at weeks 6, 10 and 14; the percentage of participants in each group with a total CVS-Q score < 6, 6-12, 13-19, and ≥ 20 at weeks 6, 10 and 14. The primary analysis will be the intention to treat. DISCUSSION: Findings may inform decisions about adopting the SESL01 lenses to reduce CVS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrial.gov identifier: NCT05545878. Registered: Sept. 19, 2022.

Digital Eye Strain (DES) among children attending online classes during COVID-19 pandemic in Al-Madinah region, Saudi Arabia

Background: Digital eye strain is a group of eye disorders caused by usage of digital devices. Online learning has replaced the traditional methods during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, symptoms, frequency, and associated risk factors of Digital eye strain and the pattern of digital device usage among children attending online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed among parents of children. Results: Out of 443 participants, the majority were females (51.5%). Tablets (47.6%) and smart phones (40.6%) were the most commonly used for online classes. The commonest Digital eye strain symptoms were headache (27.5%), excessive blinking (25.6%), redness (25.3%) and itching (24.8%). Severe eye strain was reported among (14%) of children. Children's preference for smart phones and tablets and an increase in hours spent on digital devices were some of the risk factors of Digital eye strain in our study. Conclusions: A high prevalence of Digital eye strain has been reported among children who attended online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pattern of ocular morbidities during COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary eye care centre in central India

Purpose: The study was conducted to observe the pattern of ocular morbidities in patients attending the ophthalmology department during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary eye care centre in Central India from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020, among a total of 982 patients with ocular manifestations who attended the outpatient department or emergency department. A detailed history was taken and a complete anterior and posterior segment examination was done. The standard investigation and treatment protocol of the institution was followed in all cases. Result: A total of 982 patients were enrolled in our study with a mean age of 36.42±18.05 years. Male preponderance was noted with an M: F ratio of 2.43. A wide spectrum of ocular manifestations during COVID-19 was observed. The anterior segment was involved in 85.1% and the posterior segment was involved in 14.9% and most common ocular manifestations affecting the anterior segment were noted as computer vision syndrome observed in 18.1% cases, followed by cataracts in 11.4% cases. Conclusion: Various programs should be implemented to help in reducing the load of visual disability and blindness in the community which is increased after the COVID outbreak. With changing trends in geographical and socio-economical patterns of diseases, similar kinds of a pandemic may occur in the future. There should be formation of flexible government strategies for changing dynamics that can be timely implemented in the future for better management of curable/avoidable diseases. © 2022 Innovative Publication, All rights reserved.

Study of computer vision syndrome among medical undergraduates of Kumaon region, Uttarakhand

Background: Activity on digital screen has increased so much during the COVID era that there is surge in persons complaining of symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS). Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of CVS among the medical students and its associated factors during COVID period and to compare it with pre-COVID period. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 337 undergraduate medical students at Government Medical College, Haldwani, Uttarakhand using pretested structured questionnaire which was filled through Google form for which link was circulated in class WhatsApp group. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Frequency, percentage, binary logistic regression, and McNemar test was applied. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The prevalence of CVS was significantly higher during COVID period, 54.9% (95% CI=49.7–60.1) that was significantly higher than non-COVID period. Eye strain (16.6%) was the most common CVS symptom during both pre-COVID and COVID period. The prevalence of CVS was significantly associated with use of preventive measures. During COVID period, average hours spent in digital screen was significantly higher as compared to non-COVID period. Conclusion: This study showed that there was increase in CVS among the study participants during COVID era as there was increase in spending hours on digital screen and not or reduction in adopting preventive measures. It is important to increase awareness regarding the symptoms and precautions related to CVS. [ FROM AUTHOR]

A Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Computer Vision Syndrome and Its Prevention among Collegiate Students Attending Online Classes during Covid-19 Pandemic, at Selected Colleges in Chennai, Tamilnadu

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge regarding computer vision syndrome and its prevention among collegiate students attending online classes during COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): The online electronic survey form was prepared on the Google app. The collegiatestudents were asked to respond to the questions asked, which had 2 part, part 1 consist of socio demographic variables, part 2 consist of questions related to CVS and its prevention. Total number of 100 samples were participated in this study, their responses were recorded in google sheet. The analysis have done by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result(s): Onehundred college students responded to the questionnaire. The minimum score out of 20 was two and maximum score was 15, the mean value is 8.12, SD was 2.520. Out of 100 sample, approximately 25 percentage of collegiatestudents alone had more than 50% of knowledge on CVS and its prevention, the majority of 75 percentage of college students had less than 50% of knowledge on CVS and its prevention. The most common digital device used were smartphones (n = 86, 86%). Conclusion(s): Majority of the collegiate students do not have even 50% of knowledge about CVS and its prevention. Copyright © 2022 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

Digital Eye Strain (DES) among children attending online classes during COVID-19 pandemic in Al-Madinah region, Saudi Arabia

Background: Digital eye strain is a group of eye disorders caused by usage of digital devices. Online learning has replaced the traditional methods during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, symptoms, frequency, and associated risk factors of Digital eye strain and the pattern of digital device usage among children attending online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed among parents of children. Results: Out of 443 participants, the majority were females (51.5%). Tablets (47.6%) and smart phones (40.6%) were the most commonly used for online classes. The commonest Digital eye strain symptoms were headache (27.5%), excessive blinking (25.6%), redness (25.3%) and itching (24.8%). Severe eye strain was reported among (14%) of children. Children's preference for smart phones and tablets and an increase in hours spent on digital devices were some of the risk factors of Digital eye strain in our study. Conclusions: A high prevalence of Digital eye strain has been reported among children who attended online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visual Impact of Digital Classroom among Students Attending Online Education.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 outbreak has changed the traditional teaching method of using blackboards to digital devices assisted online classes. Spending long hours in front of digital devices might lead to different ocular problems in children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school-going children attending digital online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. A web-based online form was used to evaluate the impact of digital classrooms on the visual status of school-going children. Children were selected from 5 randomly selected schools from different parts of Kathmandu Valley who had online classes for at least 2 hours during the COVID-19 pandemic era. RESULTS: A total of 303 usable responses were obtained from a response rate of 41% with an average age of 10 years. Sixty-four percent of children had online classes up to 6 hours a day and 44% used laptops for online classes followed by smartphones (38%). The most common symptom was headache affecting 39.3% of the children, followed by difficulty seeing bright light (35%) and itching of the eyes (35%). Forty percent of the children felt that their eyes were affected after online class. Multivariate analysis showed that the total duration spent on digital devices was the greatest risk factor associated with the ocular symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular symptoms and digital eye strain related to the excessive use of digital devices have increased due to the increased duration of online classes. Awareness about the prevention and measures to reduce the adverse effects should be stressed.

Effect of long-term exposure of digital devices during the COVID-19 pandemic and on ocular health

Background: The study aims to compare the effect of long-term exposure to digital devices during covid-19 and before the lockdown. Objective: To assess the impact of the lockdown on digital device usage & consequently, the ocular surface health implication related to digital eye strain. Materials and Methods: An open online survey was distributed to people via social media platforms (email, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, and so on). Result: Females participated more than males, with 58.3%. With 30.76%, the >50 age group was found to participate, and at 13-31 years of age, participation was found to be more with 60%. Most individuals use digital devices for education with 44.2%. Before the lockdown, the duration of digital device usage is not there between 4 to 6 hours, but during the lockdown, it has been increased by 35% due to working from home. 76.3% of participants feel restless due to prolonged use of digital devices. Conclusion: It was discovered that before the lockdown the duration of digital device usage is not there between 4 to 6 hrs but during the lockdown, due to working from home it has increased and headache as an asymptomatic symptom is noticed more during prolonged use of digital devices in lockdown. © 2022 Innovative Publication, All rights reserved.

Unavoidable online education due to COVID-19 and its association to computer vision syndrome: A cross-sectional survey

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, online education and entertainment have increased significantly due to strict isolation and frequent lockdowns. This study intended to explore the prevalence and potential factors associated with computer vision syndrome (CVS) among the postsecondary students of Bangladesh pursuing online education. Methods In total, there were 917 postsecondary students participated in this study. Information on sociodemographic variables, and CVS symptom-related variables were collected using a prevalidated self-administered questionnaire. The CVS questionnaire was used to assess an individual's CVS status. The bivariate association between CVS and other categorical variables was obtained using a chi 2 test. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to explore variables associated with the CVS. Results The overall prevalence of CVS was 68.16%. Most common symptoms were headache (42.4%), feeling of worsening eyesight (23.2%), and eye pain (23.2%). CVS was associated with educational status (p=0.03), family history of eye-related problems (p<0.001), personal history of eye-related problems (p<0.001), usage of eye accessories (p<0.001), type of device used for online education (p<0.01), average daily use (p<0.01), and usage pattern (p=0.02). After adjusting for confounders, CVS was significantly related to the use of mobile or tablet (adjusted OR, AOR 8.954, 95% CI 1.57 to 51.063), continuing online education for more than 12 hours/day without any break or insufficient break (AOR 7.654, 95% CI 1.625 to 36.053), and previous family (AOR 3.189, 95% CI 1.751 to 5.811) or personal history of eye problems or headaches, or insomnia (AOR 6.214, 95% CI 2.783 to 13.878). Conclusion A high prevalence of CVS was observed among the post-secondary students in Bangladesh. Since an extensive use of digital screens is somewhat unavoidable during unprecedented times, such as COVID-19, educators should include CVS awareness and prevention in their curricula. Copyright © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.