Computer visual syndrome in medical students in virtual education of a Peruvian university during 2021

Abstract

Introduction: Students during virtual classes due to COVID-19 may develop computer visual syndrome (SVI) due to excessive time in front of digital screens. Objective: To determine the frequency of computer vision syndrome in sixth-year medical students at Ricardo Palma University during virtual education due to COVID-19 in October and November 2021.Methods:Cross-sectional descriptive study in 147 sixth-year medical students who received virtual education at a Peruvian university during 2021. A non-probability sampling was used for convenience and the SVI was evaluated with the SVI-Q questionnaire, in addition characteristics were evaluated. demographics, visual preventive measures and eye diseases. The results were analyzed with SPSS v.21 for Windows. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee. Results: Most of the students were young adults (54%) and female (60%). The frequency of computer visual syndrome was 93%, it occurred in 94% of women and 90% of men. Most of the students reported having myopia (44%) and astigmatism (22%). Regarding visual symptoms, the students mainly presented tearing (7.9%), itching (7.6%), and headache (7.6%). An association was found between SVI and the use of preventive measures for vision care.Conclusions: A high frequency of SVI was found in medical students who took virtual classes.

Keywords

• vision disorders
• education
• distance
• students
• medical