Computer Vision Syndrome in the Spanish Population during the COVID-19 Lockdown.

Galindo-Romero, Caridad; Ruiz-Porras, Alberto; García-Ayuso, Diego; Di Pierdomenico, Johnny; Sobrado-Calvo, Paloma; Valiente-Soriano, Francisco J

SIGNIFICANCE After 6-8 weeks of mandatory lockdown due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Spain, the encouraged change in daily habits resulted in a significant increase of electronic device use. Computer Vision Syndrome-related symptoms were reported more often in participants who used electronic devise for more time and spent less time outdoors. PURPOSE The main purpose of this study was to evaluate Computer Vision Syndrome-related eye symptoms due to the use of electronic devices during COVID-19 lockdown decreed in Spain in 2020. METHODS After 6-8 weeks of strict lockdown, a total of 730 participants (18-73 years old) filled in a customized questionnaire divided into three sections: 1) general demographics; 2) usage habits of electronic devices during this period; and 3) Computer Vision Syndrome-related ocular and visual symptoms associated with their use and with ergonomic practices. RESULTS The daily duration of use of electronic devices increased an average of 3.1 ± 2.2 hours per day during the lockdown, with computer use increasing the most. The main symptoms reported by the participants were headache (36.7%), dry eye (31.1%), irritation (24.1%), blurred vision (21.2%), and ocular pain (14.9%). There was a significant relationship between Computer Vision Syndrome-related symptoms and age (greater in participants between 18-30 years old than >45 years old, P < .001), primary activity (greater in studying from home and remote working, P < .001), and extended periods of electronic device use (greater when used more than 10 hours/day, P = .05). Symptoms were also associated with time spent outdoors (greater in participants with <1 hour per day, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS The lockdown due to COVID-19 showed an increase in the electronic device use. Participants who spent more time with electronic devices and less time outdoors reported more Computer Vision Syndrome-related eye symptoms.