Impact of video display terminal use on ophthalmic symptoms and mental health in adolescents.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of video display terminal (VDT) use on the rate of computer vision syndrome questionnaire (CVSQ)-related symptoms and mental health among adolescents.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of adolescents between 2022 and 2023 who had no organic lesions in the eyes and best-corrected visual acuity of ≤logMAR 0.0 with astigmatism ≤2.50 D. Ocular examinations were performed, and a questionnaire designed to elicit VDT usage information, evaluate CVSQ-related symptoms, and assess mental health was administered. Participants were divided into three groups based on hours of daily VDT use: ≤3 hours (group 1), 3-6 hours (group 2), and ≥6 hours (group 3).

RESULTS

A total of 120 participants (65 males) were included. Mean participant age was 14.22 ± 1.12 years. Mean VDT time was 4.2 hours per day. Visual fatigue (57.5%) was the most common symptom of CVS. Despite VDT use, the psychological health of adolescents remained positive, with approximately 93.3% reporting feeling cheerful. Significant differences in the incidence of double vision were found among the groups (P = 0.012), with group 3 having a significantly higher incidence compared with group 1 (P = 0.004). No correlation was observed between VDT hours and dry eye disease, accommodative function, or myopia (P > 0.05). Normal as opposed to abnormal fusional vergence facility (FVF) was associated with lower risk for visual fatigue (OR = 0.222, P = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study cohort, self-reported results showed that VDT use did not influence adolescents' mental health, but VDT use did increase ocular symptoms. Deficits in FVF can exacerbate visual fatigue, highlighting the need for preventative measures.