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Meta-Analysis
. 2024 Jan-Mar;17(1):100482.
doi: 10.1016/j.optom.2023.100482. Epub 2023 Oct 30.

Prevalence of computer vision syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Fabricio Ccami-Bernal  1 , David R Soriano-Moreno  2 , Milton A Romero-Robles  3 , Fernanda Barriga-Chambi  1 , Kimberly G Tuco  2 , Sharong D Castro-Diaz  2 , Janeth N Nuñez-Lupaca  4 , Josmel Pacheco-Mendoza  5 , Tomas Galvez-Olortegui  6 , Vicente A Benites-Zapata  7
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Prevalence of computer vision syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Fabricio Ccami-Bernal et al. J Optom. 2024 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

Purpose: This review aimed to estimate the prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS) in the general population and subgroups.

Methods: A search was conducted in the following the databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Web of Science until February 13, 2023. We included studies that assessed the prevalence of CVS in any population. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality. A meta-analysis of the prevalence of CVS was done using a random-effects model, assessing the sources of heterogeneity using subgroup and meta-regression analyses.

Results: A total of 103 cross-sectional studies with 66 577 participants were included. The prevalence of CVS was 69.0% (95% CI: 62.3 to 75.3; I2: 99.7%), ranging from 12.1 to 97.3% across studies. Point prevalence was higher in women than in men (71.4 vs. 61.8%), university students (76.1%), Africa (71.2%), Asia (69.9%), contact lens wearers (73.1% vs. 63.8%) in studies conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic (72.8%), and in those that did not use the CVS-Q questionnaire (75.4%). In meta-regression, using the CVS-Q scale was associated with a lower prevalence of CVS.

Conclusion: Seven out of ten people suffer from CVS. Preventive strategies and interventions are needed to decrease the prevalence of this condition which can affect productivity and quality of life. Future studies should standardize a definition of CVS.

Keywords: Computer vision syndrome; Electronic devices; Occupational health; Vision disorders; Visual ergonomic; Workspace ergonomics.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest The authors report no commercial or proprietary interest in any product or concept discussed in this article.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig. 1
Flow diagram summarizing the process of literature search and selection.
Fig 2
Fig. 2
Symptoms considered in CVS definitions.
Fig 3
Fig. 3
Prevalence of computer vision syndrome.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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