The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) among the Academic Staff of a Non-State University in Sri Lanka amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is considered an occupational hazard in the 21st century resulting from the high utilization of computers, laptops, and mobile phones in the workplace. The current study aimed at determining the prevalence of computer vision syndrome and its associated factors among the academic staff of Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), Malabe campus amidst the COVID-19 pandemic using a sample of 145 academics based on stratified random sampling procedure. Required data were collected through a structured questionnaire. The participants of the study comprised 50.3% of females and 49.7% of males. About 45% were 20-30 years irrespective of gender. Dryness in the eyes (52.4%), itching (54.5%), eye pain (65.5%), and headache (76.6%) were the most common symptoms reported by the staff members, while colored halos around objects and double vision were experienced by around 20%. Most of the academics (42.1%) work 6-8 hours in front of the digital screen. Taking breaks in-between the working time (73.8%), adjusting the screen (62.1%), and adjusting the chair and posture (60.0%) were the most common methods used by the participants to minimize CVS. The rate of prevalence of CVS among the academic staff of SLIIT is 42.8%. This figure is lower than the corresponding figure reported in other countries. However, no significant association was found between the prevalence of CVS and gender, type of faculty, type of devices used, duration spent, preferred time to utilize the device, awareness of CVS, and actions to minimize CVS, but a strong significant association (p< 0.01) was found between the prevalence of CVS and age of the academic staff members. The rate of prevalence of CVS among academics aged over 60 years is 87.5%. Thus, a regular ocular screening program is recommended to reduce the prevalence of CVS among the academic staff of SLIIT starting from higher age groups.