Prevalence and risk factors of computer vision syndrome-assessed in office workers by a validated questionnaire

Natalia Cantó-Sancho; Stefano Porru; Stefano Casati; Elena Ronda; Mar Seguí-Crespo; Angela Carta

doi:10.7717/peerj.14937

Prevalence and risk factors of computer vision syndrome-assessed in office workers by a validated questionnaire

PeerJ. 2023 Mar 3:11:e14937. doi: 10.7717/peerj.14937. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Natalia Cantó-Sancho¹, Stefano Porru^{2

3}, Stefano Casati⁴, Elena Ronda^{5

6}, Mar Seguí-Crespo^{1

5}, Angela Carta^{2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain.
² Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Véneto, Italy.
³ Mistral-Interuniversity Research Centre 'Integrated Models of Study for Health Protection and Prevention in Living and Working Environments', University of Brescia, Milano Bicocca and Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Véneto, Italy.
⁴ Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Véneto, Italy.
⁵ Public Health Research Group, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain.
⁶ Biomedical Research Networking Center for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Madrid, Spain.

Abstract

Background: Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a common occupational health problem, but its clinical definition, prevalence and risk factors are not well defined. In general, non-validated diagnostic instruments have been used to assess its prevalence. For this reason, the aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence and potential risk factors for CVS using a validated questionnaire.

Methods: A cross-sectional study (n = 238) was carried out in Italian office workers using digital devices. All participants responded to an anamnesis, a digital exposure questionnaire, and the validated Italian version of the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire. A battery of 3 ocular surface and tear ophthalmic tests (break-up time, BUT), Schirmer II and corneal staining) was performed.

Results: The mean age (±SD) was 45.55 (11.02) years, 64.3% were female. 71.4% wore glasses to work, whose design was monofocal (for distance) in 47.6%, monofocal (for near) in 26.5%, general progressive in 16.5% and occupational progressive in 8.8% of cases. 35.7% used digital devices >6 hours/day in the workplace. The prevalence of CVS was 67.2%. In the multivariate model, female sex (aOR: 3.17; 95% CI [1.75-5.73]), the use of digital devices >6 hours/day at workplace (aOR: 2.07; 95% CI [1.09-3.95]) and the use of optical correction at work (aOR: 2.69; 95% CI [1.43-5.08]) significantly increased the odds of CVS. Association was observed between presenting CVS and having abnormal BUT (χ2 = 0.017).

Conclusions: The prevalence of CVS in Italian office workers, especially among females, was high. Intensive use of digital devices at work (>6 hours/day) and the use of optical correction at work significantly increased the odds of CVS. There is an association between poor tear stability and CVS. Further research is needed on the influence of wearing optical correction on CVS. The use of a validated questionnaire in health surveillance of digital workers is strongly recommended.

Keywords: Computer vision syndrome; Digital devices; Office workers; Ophthalmic test; Prevalence; Validated questionnaire.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases* / diagnosis
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Surveys and Questionnaires
Syndrome

Grants and funding

The Vice-Rectorate of Research of the University of Alicante funded the pre-doctoral training contract for Natalia Cantó-Sancho (UAFPU2019-08). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.