Computer Vision Syndrome Prevalence and Ocular Sequelae among Medical Students: A University-Wide Study on a Marginalized Visual Security Issue

Introduction: This study aimed to discover and document the potential of visual ocular sequelae computer vision syndrome (CVS) among medical students. Methods: cross-sectional case-control was conducted on students (n=4030) five universities in Egypt. All completed a specially designed validated CVS questionnaire survey (CVS-F3). Students with ≥5 symptoms constituted risk group (n=352), while 1-4 low-symptoms (n=3067). from control groups were examined using objective methods, such as acuity, subjective refraction, dry eye disease tests, anterior segment fundus examinations. who complained blur underwent multifocal electroretinography mfERG examinations (mfERG group). Results: The CVS-F3 indicated that 84.8% had complaints might be related CVS, however, our ophthalmic examination revealed only 56% prevalence rate. most common single screen type used by 70.4% smartphone, complaint headache (50.2%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis significantly associated increased screen-hours, including >2 screen-hours daily (odds ratio [OR], 2.48; P<0.0001), at night (OR, 1.79; P=0.003), ≥3 screen-years 1.69; P=0.006). In group, 37% demonstrated reduced amplitudes rings quadrants, indicating foveal responses. Conclusion: CVS-questionnaires overestimate true sequelae, which could accurately detected examination. Smartphones primarily caused students, severity increasing correlation shorter eye-to-screen distance frequent use. Contact lens wearing doubled development augmented its severity. affect macular integrity screen-induced dysfunction. Clinical Trials Registration: PACTR201811618954630.