Computer vision syndrome: A study of the knowledge, attitudes and practices in Indian Ophthalmologists

• Main Authors: Bali Jatinder, Navin Neeraj, Thakur Bali
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2007-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Ophthalmology
• Subjects: Computer vision syndrome; computer-users; Indian ophthalmologists
• Online Access: http://www.ijo.in/article.asp?issn=0301-4738;year=2007;volume=55;issue=4;spage=289;epage=293;aulast=Bali

<b>Purpose:</b> To study the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) towards computer vision syndrome prevalent in Indian ophthalmologists and to assess whether &#x2032;computer use by practitioners&#x2032; had any bearing on the knowledge and practices in computer vision syndrome (CVS). <b> Materials and Methods:</b> A random KAP survey was carried out on 300 Indian ophthalmologists using a 34-point spot-questionnaire in January 2005. <b> Results:</b> All the doctors who responded were aware of CVS. The chief presenting symptoms were eyestrain (97.8&#x0025;), headache (82.1&#x0025;), tiredness and burning sensation (79.1&#x0025;), watering (66.4&#x0025;) and redness (61.2&#x0025;). Ophthalmologists using computers reported that focusing from distance to near and vice versa (<i> P</i> =0.006, &#967;² test), blurred vision at a distance (<i> P</i> =0.016, &#967;² test) and blepharospasm (<i> P</i> =0.026, &#967;² test) formed part of the syndrome. The main mode of treatment used was tear substitutes. Half of ophthalmologists (50.7&#x0025;) were not prescribing any spectacles. They did not have any preference for any special type of glasses (68.7&#x0025;) or spectral filters. Computer-users were more likely to prescribe sedatives/ anxiolytics (<i> P</i> = 0.04, &#967;² test), spectacles (<i> P</i> = 0.02, &#967;² test) and conscious frequent blinking (<i> P</i> = 0.003, &#967;² test) than the non-computer-users. <b> Conclusions:</b> All respondents were aware of CVS. Confusion regarding treatment guidelines was observed in both groups. Computer-using ophthalmologists were more informed of symptoms and diagnostic signs but were misinformed about treatment modalities.