Online ISSN: 2515-8260

Progress of medical undergraduates to an era of computer vision syndrome and insomnia as an aftermath of increased digitalization during covid-19 pandemic

Main Article Content

Vijaya Lakshmi

Abstract

Background: WHO declared COVID 19 as a global pandemic in March 2020. Lockdown and travel restrictions were imposed in most countries including India, to reduce the spread of SARS-COV-2 Virus and reduce mortality. Aftermath of this was that technology has become the only tool for people to interact, communicate and even to continue their responsibilities. Educational institutions including Medical colleges were closed globally, pedagogical innovations including technology and simulation based teaching were brought to the forefront during the current pandemic worldwide. This lead to excessive exposure to digital screen for any reason, be it for education or entertainment. Aim & Objective: To estimate the prevalence of computer vision syndrome and to identify whether medical undergraduates suffered from sleep disorder like insomnia during Covid -19 pandemic as well as to assess the relationship between insomnia and computer vision syndrome in these students. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on medical undergraduates with Questionnaires based on Google form. The survey instruments were Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS‑Q) to assess the frequency of (i) symptoms of computer vision syndrome/ digital eye strain, pattern of computer usage and (ii) Insomnia severity index questionnaire including the demographic details of the participants. Results: The study shows that e-learning by medical undergraduates during the COVID 19 pandemic has given rise to various side effects leading to deterioration of their health parameters. Most common effects were both ocular as well as non-ocular symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Even clinical insomnia of moderate severity was reported by 70% of the participants. Conclusion: Health issues related to excessive use of digital devices has become alarmingly high during COVID-19 pandemic. Preventive measures to reduce Computer vision syndrome associated symptoms and Insomnia should also be imparted to the students. There is also an urgent need to make an institutional policy involving all stakeholders to formulate effective strategies to prevent young generation from the detrimental health effects of excessive digitalization during the pandemic.

Article Details