Computer vision syndrome in medical students and healthcare workers

Abstract

The present study aims to open a new perspective about Computer Vision Syndrome in medical students and healthcare workers. This work aims to analyze whether there are any differences in ophthalmological and musculoskeletal symptoms between occupational groups. Material and methods: In this study were included 407 participants from different occupational groups: students, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and university teachers All participants completed a specially designed questionnaire (CVS-F3) via Google Forms. Results: The frequency of female participants was higher (68.1% vs. 31.9%). The most common ophthalmological symptoms encountered in students were dry eyes (73.3%), focusing difficulties (72%) and eye fatigue (69.3). The most common ophthalmological symptoms encountered in doctors were discomfort at near vision (48.3%) and blurred vision (24.4%), in nurse blurred vision (5.6%), in pharmacists focusing difficulties (5.6%) and in university teachers focusing difficulties (2.8%). The most frequently encountered Musculo-skeletal symptoms, regardless of profession, were neck, shoulder, and back pain. The number of hours spent during the day or at night correlated significantly with age and the most used electronic device was smartphone. Conclusions: The ophthalmic symptoms are different depending on the medical category. Instead, the musculoskeletal symptoms most often encountered in all medical categories were neck, shoulder and back pain.