Prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome Amid Extensive Screen Time During COVID-19 in Young Adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/xkzccb27Keywords:
Computer Vision Syndrome; Digital Eye Strain; COVID-19; Screen Time; Young Adults; CVS-QAbstract
Background: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) has become increasingly prevalent due to accelerated digitalisation during the COVID-19 lockdown, with young adults representing a particularly vulnerable population because of prolonged near-work demands and extensive reliance on digital devices. Objective: To determine the prevalence and severity of CVS among young adults during the COVID-19 lockdown and to examine the distribution of CVS-related symptoms across screen-time categories using the validated Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q). Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 550 university students and teachers aged 18–30 years in Sialkot, Pakistan. Data on demographics, device-use patterns and symptom frequency and intensity were collected using a structured online survey incorporating the CVS-Q. CVS was defined as a total score ≥6. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, odds ratios and confidence intervals to evaluate associations with gender and screen time. Results: The prevalence of CVS was 62.7%, with 46.2% exhibiting mild, 13.6% moderate and 2.9% severe symptoms. Headache was the most burdensome symptom (mean score 1.54 ± 1.24). CVS prevalence increased markedly with longer screen exposure, rising from 36.2% in participants using screens 1–2 hours daily to 81.2% among those using screens 16–20 hours (p<0.001). Females had significantly higher odds of CVS than males (OR 1.52, p=0.022). Conclusion: CVS was highly prevalent among young adults during the COVID-19 lockdown, demonstrating a clear dose–response relationship with screen time and highlighting the need for targeted preventive strategies in academic settings.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Misbah Amanat Ali, Sadida Nisar, Hamna Tanveer, Huma Shakeel, Wajida Perveen, Wajeeha Siddique, Shanza Iqbal (Author)
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