Digital learning's toll: a high prevalence of computer vision syndrome in university students during lockdown

Lim, Co Shin and Ismail, Lili Asma and Othman, Shah Farez and Ithnin, Mohd. Hafidz and Hajar Maidin, Mohamad Hanif (2025) Digital learning's toll: a high prevalence of computer vision syndrome in university students during lockdown. International Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 9 ((SUPP3)). pp. 51-58. E-ISSN 2600-8491

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Abstract

Background: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) encompasses a range of ocular and musculoskeletal symptoms, such as dry eyes, eye strain, blurred vision, neck pain, and light sensitivity, resulting from prolonged digital device use. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the shift to online learning increased screen exposure, potentially exacerbating CVS among university students. This study aimed to assess the CVS prevalence, and its associated Internal Symptoms Factors (ISF) and External Symptoms Factors (ESF) among students at UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, during the pandemic-induced lockdown. Method: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using the Computer Vision Symptoms Scale 17 (CVSS17) questionnaire. Results: Among 150 participants (mean age 21.36 ± 1.87 years; 99 females, 51 males), the mean CVSS17 score was 34 ± 10.61, with ESF and ISF scores of 24 ± 7.07 and 15 ± 4.95, respectively. A high prevalence of CVS was observed, with 80.67% reporting moderate to severe symptoms. Specifically, 56.67% experienced moderate to severe ESF, while 83.33% reported moderate to high ISF. Female students exhibited significantly higher CVSS17, ESF, and ISF scores compared to males (p<0.01). Conclusion: The findings indicate a substantial prevalence of CVS among students during the lockdown, driven predominantly by internal symptom factors. These results highlight the need for preventive measures to mitigate CVS in digital learning environments.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), Computer Vision Symptoms Scale 17 (CVSS17), External Symptom Factors (ESF), Internal Symptom Factors (ISF), COVID-19, online learning
Subjects:	R Medicine > RE Ophthalmology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences > Department of Optometry and Visual Science
Depositing User:	Dr Mohamad Hanif Hajar Maidin
Date Deposited:	19 Dec 2025 11:58
Last Modified:	19 Dec 2025 11:58
Queue Number:	2025-12-Q1194
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/126259

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