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

Abstract

Abstract Background Computer vision syndromes are becoming a major public health concern; however, less emphasis is given, particularly in developing countries. Although there are studies on different continents, there are inconsistent findings among the studies. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of computer vision syndrome. Methods In this study, the review was developed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Online electronic databases, including PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, and Google Scholar, were used to retrieve published and unpublished studies from December 1 to April 9/2022. Study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction were performed independently. Quality assessment of the studies was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument. Heterogeneity was assessed using statistical test I2. STATA 14 software was used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 7, 35 studies were retrieved, and 45 studies with a total 17,526 participants were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of computer vision syndrome was 66% (95%, CI: 59, 74). Subgroup analysis based on country was highest in Pakistan 97% (95% CI: 96, 98) and the lowest was in Japan 12% (95% CI: 9, 15). Subgroup analysis based on country showed studies in Saudi Arabia (I2 = 99.41%, p-value < 0.001), Ethiopia (I2 = 72.6%, p-value < 0.001), and India (I2 = 98.04%, p-value < 0.001) had significant heterogeneity Conclusion Nearly two in three participants had computer vision syndrome. Thus, preventive practice strategic activities on computer vision syndrome are important interventions.