Comparison of Micronutrient Intake Among Students with and without Computer Vision Syndrome (original) (raw)

INTRODUCTION During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prolonged use of digital devices for various purposes, such as education, communication, and recreation, mostly exceeded six hours per day 1. This has resulted in an increased risk of computer vision syndrome (CVS), which refers to symptoms affecting the eyes and vision due to prolonged use of digital devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets 2. Symptoms of CVS include itchy eyes, burning eyes, foreign body sensation in the eyes, excessive blinking, watery eyes, red eyes, heavy eyelids, dry eyes, eye pain, blurred vision, double vision, inability to focus on nearby objects, light sensitivity, seeing halos around lights, worsening vision, and headache 3. These symptoms are temporary and will disappear if the use of digital devices is reduced. If prevention measures are not taken, the symptoms of CVS can persist and worsen 2. According to research, the global prevalence of CVS among students is estimated at 89.9%, with over 70% of students suffering from low productivity due to the symptoms of CVS 5. Engaging in activities using digital devices decreases the blink reflex, leading to increased tear evaporation and tear film instability 6. Decreased blink reflex and dry eyes are often associated with symptoms