Prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome among the Academic Staff of SLIIT, Malabe Campus amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is considered as an occupational hazard in the 21st century resulting from high utilization of computers, laptops and mobile phones in the workplace. Current study aimed to determine the prevalence of computer vision syndrome and its associated factors among the academic staff of SLIIT, Malabe campus amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive cross-sectional institution-based study was conducted among 145 academic staff members. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire that consisted demographic questions and a standard questionnaire validated to measure CVS. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. The participants of the study comprised 50.3% of female respondents and 49.7% of male respondents while majority of the participants were in 20-30 years age category. The prevalence of CVS among the participants was 59.3%. Dryness in the eyes (52.4%), itching (54.4%), eye pain (65.5%) and headache (76.5%) were the most common symptoms reported by the staff members, while coloured halos around objects (20.7%) and double vision (21.4%) were experienced by a limited number of participants. Laptops and mobile phones are used by the majority of the academic staff employees (91.5%) while 6-8 working hours in front of a digital screen was reported by 42.1% of academics. Awareness of CVS was identified among 136 employees. Taking breaks in-between the working time (26.2%), adjusting the screen (21.5%) and adjusting the chair and posture (20.7%) were the most common methods used by the participants to minimize CVS. A significant association was observed between age categories and the prevalence of CVS (p= 0.006). A high prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome was observed among the academic staff of SLIIT. Further, institutional activities to raise awareness on CVS and ergonomic practices are recommended to reduce the prevalence of CVS among the academic staff.