Abstract

Background: Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is defined as a collection of vision-related symptoms that are consequence of the continuous utilization of electronic devices, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. It causes eye problems and muscular complaints, which may lead to a decreased efficiency and quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence, knowledge, and associated factors of CVS among electronic device users in the western region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study design. After sample size calculation, a total of 385 respondents in the western region’s population were needed to fill out an electronic questionnaire which was formulated using questions items from previously validated questionnaire and self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire includes questions in the demographic and geographic data, knowledge about CVS, prevalence of CVS symptoms, and its associated factors.
Results: Out of 1,402 participants, CVS was reported in 71.7% of them. The most frequent symptom experienced by participants was eyestrains 42.4% followed by headache 37.6%. CVS was significantly associated with female gender (p ≤ 0.001), education (p = 0.001), presence of eye problems (p ≤ 0.001), duration of computer using (p = 0.003), distance from the monitor (p ≤ 0.001), improper position (p ≤ 0.001), and monitor’s brightness (p = 0.001). The majority of the participants showed very low level of awareness 4.9% as well as knowledge 1.1%.
Conclusion: The prevalence of CVS symptoms among general population in western region was high. The majority of them showed very low level of awareness as well as knowledge, which indeed requires further health education about effects of long computer using on the eyes, and how to avoid the other factors that may contribute to CVS symptoms.

Key words: Computer vision syndrome (CVS), prevalence, video display terminals, electronic devices users