Enhancing Ergonomics in Digital Learning Environments: Addressing Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

With the increasing reliance on laptops and digital devices, Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) has become a significant health concern for students. This study investigates the prevalence of CVS among cycle 3 students (secondary level comprising grades 9 to 12) at a public school in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, using the validated CVS-Q web-based questionnaire to evaluate its impact on students' health, safety, and academic performance. Our findings reveal that 64% of the students suffer from CVS, with 51 out of 80 diagnosed with the condition. Common symptoms reported include headaches, burning eyes, excessive tearing, and decreased visual acuity. The study highlights the profound effect of CVS on students and emphasizes the urgent need for ergonomic improvements in digital learning environments. It provides empirical evidence on the prevalence of CVS and offers practical recommendations for enhancing digital learning ergonomics. Immediate intervention is necessary to redesign these environments to be more ergonomic and sustainable. Key recommendations include limiting laptop usage duration, optimizing ergonomic setups, using protective eyewear and screen filters, and encouraging regular eye exams. These measures can alleviate the adverse effects of prolonged digital device usage, thereby improving students' health and safety. Furthermore, promoting ergonomic practices supports environmental sustainability by fostering the design and use of energy-efficient and health-conscious digital devices. This study underscores the critical need for schools to implement comprehensive ergonomic strategies to support students' health, safety, and academic success in the digital age.