Prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome and Patterns of Electronic Devices Usage before and during COVID-19 Pandemic among Medical Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of CVS (computer vision syndrome) among university medical students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia after establishing remote learning during COVID-19 pandemic and to compare patterns and settings of electronic devices used by students before and during this pandemic. Methods: This is an observational descriptive cross-sectional study. 1st to 5th year medical students actively enrolled at the governmental colleges of medicine in Riyadh were asked to fill an electronic online questionnaire. The questionnaire included demographic information and various variables to be studied. Results: A total of 300 medical students were included in this study. 282 (94.0%) reported at least one symptom of CVS. The most frequently reported symptoms were musculoskeletal: neck, shoulder and back pain in 253 (84.3%), headache in 213 (71.1%) and dry eyes in 204 (68%). 38% of the students experienced more severe symptoms while 48% experienced more frequent symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic. The risk factors for experiencing three or more symptoms of CVS were using electronic devices for longer periods (6.8 hours ±2.8) during COVID-19 (p<0.001) OR 1.21 [1.09-1.35] 95% CI, and being of female gender (p<0.001) OR 3.29 [2.00-5.43] 95% CI. Conclusion: CVS prevalence during COVID-19 era among medical students is high. This necessitates increasing the awareness of CVS and its preventive measures.