Assessing knowledge about computer vision syndrome among students of Karakoram international university of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is one of the major concerns of public health related to symptoms, including visual and nervous system disorders. Major complaints are blurred vision, difficulty in focusing, neck muscle spasm, and frozen shoulders due to the use of digital devices for a long time in same posture for academic and with extra-curricular activities as well specially among students. The current research was conducted in the IT department of Karakoram University in Gilgit Baltistan, KPK, Pakistan, through cross sectional study design using a structured questionnaire. These include demographics and social information of IT students, including their knowledge and perception about CVS. All the IT students were selected for the current study through convenience sampling. The observed data was analyzed through description stats and revealed that 20% of students were agreed and 20.4 were strongly agreed that digital devices use increased the risk of CVS, 18.4% and 24% were agreed and strongly agreed, respectively that wrong posture was the major contributing factor of CVS but approximately 20% said that poor screen contrast increased the risk of CVS but many others were remain uncertain. The research highlighted the gaps and provided useful insight into the prevalence of disease. None of the participants showed satisfactory knowledge regarding the effects of device use on health. Only 9% showed a moderate level of understanding. So, in conclusion, these findings helped to identify the causative factors and spread the awareness regarding the use of digital devices and the severity of CVS on public health. The findings will help to reform the effective strategies to reduce the prevalence of CVS specially among students.