Self-reported Computer Vision Syndrome Among Bank Workers in Onitsha, Nigeria

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the awareness, prevalence, and pattern of ocular problems related to computer [computer vision syndrome (CVS)] use among bank workers in Onitsha, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving bank staff in Onitsha metropolis who were selected using a simple random technique. A validated CVS questionnaire was used to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics, frequency and duration of computer use, eye symptoms, and preventive measures. RESULTS: There were 150 bank staff selected: 81 (54.0%) females and 69 (46.0%) males, aged 20–49 years (mean= 33.2 ± 7.2 years). All participants used computer daily. Daily computer use was 1–16 h. Seventy-nine (53.4%) workers were aware of CVS; 127 (84.7%) used preventive measures which included anti-reflective eye glasses (12.7%) and computer screen guard (22.3%). Symptoms with computer use were reported by 103 (68.7%) participants. The prevalence of CVS was 29.3%. Headache (45.4%), itching (38.6%), photophobia (38.0%), visual blur (37.3%), and eye pains (28.0%) were the commonest symptoms. There was a trend towards CVS being commoner in female gender (P = 0.059), with prolonged computer use, and failure to use preventive measures. CVS is 6-fold more likely to occur in individuals who wear corrective lenses. CONCLUSION: CVS is common among the bank workers studied. Use of protective measures that minimize exposure to electromagnetic force radiation from computer screens is suggested. A computer screen guard is recommended as a minimum preventive measure for long-term computer users.