Document Type : Research Article
Abstract
Context: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) refers to ocular symptoms which occur as a result of prolonged use of digital devices.
Aims: The main objective was to understand the effects of continuous online classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the ocular health of medical students.
Materials and Methods: This quantitative study used data from a survey questionnaire administered to 200 medical students at Tbilisi State Medical University in Georgia. The questions mainly comprised symptoms related to CVS and digital device use patterns. As a part of the research, 200 students between the ages of 18 and 26 were surveyed.
Results: After the pandemic, 33.8% of students recorded a 3 to 5-hour increase in their screen time while 29.4% reported an increase by 1 to 2 hours. Eye strain and dry eyes as a result of the pandemic saw a significant increase in affected individuals from 69 to 84 and 47 to 60 respectively. Among other non-visual ailments, there was an increase in symptoms like headaches (from 90 to 100 students), backaches (from 50 to 78), and neck pains (from 37 to 75 students).
Conclusion: It was concluded that the prevalence of symptoms related to Computer Vision Syndrome in medical students had seen a rise resulting from the online classes due to the pandemic. Awareness of CVS and the prevention of symptoms is necessary, especially among students.
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