Impact of Digital Device Use on Vision Syndrome and Sleep Quality Among Iranian University Staffy Publisher



Abbaslou H ; Alboghobeish A ; Qureshi SS ; Alaei Z ; Safari M ; Izadi N ; Salehi Sahlabadi AS
Source: Physical Treatments Published:2025

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of computer vision syndrome (CVS) and sleep quality among administrative staff at an Iranian university. Methods: This cross-sectional study involving 299 administrative staff members utilized the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and CVS questionnaires to assess sleep quality and CVS symptoms. Employees with a minimum of one year of experience and no history of musculoskeletal disorders were included in the study. Statistical analyses, including chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and t-tests, were conducted to explore the relationships between CVS, sleep quality, demographic variables, and occupational characteristics. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between CVS, sleep quality, and monitor use risk factors, using SPSS software, version 26, for data analysis. Results: The study found that 28.1% of participants had CVS symptoms and 79% reported poor sleep quality. Older age, longer work experience, and the use of glasses, protected against CVS (P<0.001). Inadequate sleep quality, defined by a PSQI score >6, was associated with sex, smoking, lack of breaks, and use of external monitors (P<0.05). Workplace monitor use increased the probability of CVS by 2.52 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.534%, 4.141%), while external monitors showed a protective effect. Greater monitor usage correlated with poor sleep quality, but this relationship was not statistically significant (odds ratio 1.140; 95% CI, 0.753%, 1.726%). Conclusion: The findings of the present study highlight the high prevalence of CVS among monitor users and the significant impact of poor sleep quality on employees. Thus, the study found that CVS and poor sleep quality show a similar pattern of excessive screen time, with both being negatively impacted as screen exposure increases. Prolonged use of monitors has implications for both vision syndrome and sleep quality, potentially affecting overall well-being and performance. The implementation of preventive measures is crucial to mitigate symptoms and enhance occupational safety and health. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.