Self-Reported Computer Vision Syndrome among Thai University Students in Virtual Classrooms during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Kampanat Wangsan, Phit Upaphong, Pheerasak Assavanopakun, Ratana Sapbamrer, Wachiranun Sirikul, Amornphat Kitro, Naphasorn Sirimaharaj, Sawita Kuanprasert, Maneekarn Saenpo, Suchada Saetiao and Thitichaya Khamphichai
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Kampanat Wangsan: Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phit Upaphong: Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Pheerasak Assavanopakun: Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Ratana Sapbamrer: Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Wachiranun Sirikul: Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Amornphat Kitro: Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Naphasorn Sirimaharaj: Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Sawita Kuanprasert: Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Maneekarn Saenpo: Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Suchada Saetiao: Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Thitichaya Khamphichai: Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 7, 1-12

Abstract: During the COVID-19 pandemic, computer vision syndrome (CVS) related to online classrooms were unavoidable. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the prevalence, characteristics and associated factors of CVS. A total of 527 students who were currently studying in a virtual classroom (70.40% female, mean (standard deviation; SD) age of 20.04 (2.17) years) were included. The prevalence of CVS assessed by an online CVS-Questionnaire was 81.0% (427/527). Comparing with those in the period before the online study, an increase in screen time (interquartile range) in students with and without CVS was 3 (0–3) and 2 (1–5) h, respectively. Overall, 516 students (97.9%) experienced at least one symptom. The most frequent symptom in CVS subjects was eye pain (96.5%). The most intense symptoms were the feeling of worsening eyesight (15.9%). The factors associated with CVS were female ( p < 0.001), age ( p = 0.010), atopic diseases ( p = 0.020), prior ocular symptoms ( p < 0.001), astigmatism ( p = 0.033), distance from display <20 cm ( p = 0.023), presence of glare or reflection on screen ( p < 0.001), low screen brightness ( p = 0.045), sleep duration ( p = 0.030), inadequate break time between classes ( p < 0.001) and increased screen time usage during online study ( p < 0.001). Recommendations to prevent CVS based on the adjustable factors might reduce the burden of online study.

Keywords: computer vison syndrome; COVID-19 impact; digital eye strain; digital screen; online study; video display terminal; visual display terminal; virtual classroom (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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