Prevalence of computer vision syndrome in computer users: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background/Aim. The visual and health problems associated with the use of computers and other digital devices are known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Advances in technology has led to increased use of computers so the prevalence of these symptoms is increasing. The aim of this study was to calculate the overall prevalence of CVS and CVS symptoms using meta-analysis. Methods. This study has been developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. Four databases were searched for articles collection: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched. The key search terms were: Computer vision syndrome, computer users, digital eyestrain, headache, dry eyes, red eyes, eyestrain, neck pain, back pain, and shoulder pain. The articles included in our study were limited to original articles written only in English that met the following inclusion criteria: 1) the research had to include computer users; 2) as a result, the prevalence of CVS or the prevalence of any of the symptoms of CVS had to be measured. Results. A systematic search of four electronic databases was conducted on July 2021. 43 articles were fully reviewed and 20 of them were included in the meta-analysis. The total overall prevalence for all studies was calculated to be 74.4%, while the prevalence for individual symptoms was: headache at 43%, dry eyes at 24.4%, eyestrain at 29%, red eyes at 20.7%, and neck, back, or shoulder pain at 46.3%. Conclusion. The results obtained are worrying and point to a necessity of multidisciplinary approach to solving CVS-related problems.