Computer Vision Syndrome in Eleven to Eighteen-Year-Old Students in Qazvin

Background: Prolonged use of computers can lead to complications such as eye strain, eye and head aches, double and blurred vision, tired eyes, irritation, burning and itching eyes, eye redness, light sensitivity, dry eyes, muscle strains, and other problems. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate visual problems and major symptoms, and their associations among computer users, aged between 11 and 18 years old, residing in the Qazvin city of Iran, during year 2010. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 642 secondary to pre university students who had referred to the eye clinic of Buali hospital of Qazvin during year 2013. A questionnaire consisting of demographic information and 26 questions on visual effects of the computer was used to gather information. Participants answered all questions and then underwent complete eye examinations and in some cases cycloplegic refraction. Visual acuity (VA) was measured with a logMAR in six meters. Refraction errors were determined using an auto refractometer (Potece and Heine retinoscope). The collected data was then analyzed using the SPSS statistical software. Results: The results of this study indicated that 63.86% of the subjects had refractive errors. Refractive errors were significantly different in children of different genders (P < 0.05). The most common complaints associated with the continuous use of computers were eyestrain, eye pain, eye redness, headache, and blurred vision. The most prevalent (81.8%) eye-related problem in computer users was eyestrain and the least prevalent was dry eyes (7.84%). In order to reduce computer related problems 54.2% of the participants suggested taking enough rest, 37.9% recommended use of computers only for necessary tasks, while 24.4% and 19.1% suggested the use of monitor shields and proper working distance, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that using computers for prolonged periods of time can lead to eye-related problems such as eyestrain, headaches, weak and tired eyes, blurred and double vision, weak vision, burning itching and watery eyes, etc. To correct and reduce these problems the following precautions may be helpful, using computer shields (anti-reflex glasses), proper computer workplace illumination, enough rest after working with computers, appropriate viewing distances during computer work, placing computers far from bright objects and adjusting a line of vision with the top of the monitor. Keywords: Computer; Eye; Students