Computer Visual Syndrome in Medical Students From a Private University in Paraguay: A Survey Study

• Main Authors: Johanna Coronel-Ocampos (Author), Jonathan Gómez (Author), Alexis Gómez (Author), Pedro P. Quiroga-Castañeda (Author), Mario J. Valladares-Garrido (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A., 2022-07-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2296-2565; 10.3389/fpubh.2022.935405
• Keywords: medical students; visual fatigue; computer visual syndrome; eye disorder; Paraguay; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: Frontiers in Public Health, Vol 10 (2022)

PurposeTo determine the prevalence and factors associated with computer vision syndrome in medical students at a private university in Paraguay.MethodsA survey study was conducted in 2021 in a sample of 228 medical students from the Universidad del Pacífico, Paraguay. The dependent variable was CVS, measured with the Computer Visual Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q). Its association with covariates (hours of daily use of notebook, smartphone, tablet and PC, taking breaks when using equipment, use of preventive visual measures, use of glasses, etc.) was examined.ResultsThe mean age was 22.3 years and 71.5% were women. CVS was present in 82.5% of participants. Higher prevalence of CVS was associated with wearing a framed lens (PR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03-1.20). In contrast, taking a break when using electronic equipment at least every 20 min and every 1 h reduced 7% (PR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87-0.99) and 6% (PR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89-0.99) the prevalence of CVS, respectively.ConclusionEight out of 10 students experienced CVS during the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of framed lenses increased the presence of CVS, while taking breaks when using electronic equipment at least every 20 min and every 1 h reduced CVS.