Nursing Students' Screen Habits Linked to CVS and Sleeplessness, Study Finds
- New study finds significant impact of computer vision syndrome (CVS) on nursing students’ overall well-being.
- CVS is a known medical condition associated with prolonged periods of computer or tablet usage.
- Symptoms of CVS include headache, blurred vision, fatigue, irritated eyes, double vision, and dizziness.
The COVID-19 pandemic started the change on how nursing students are educated. The shift to virtual education became the norm, and nursing students across the country had to quickly adapt. In a groundbreaking study, researchers discovered the true significant impact of computer vision syndrome (CVS) on nursing students’ overall well-being.
Some studies estimate that up to 50–90% of people who use computers for several hours a day experience symptoms of computer vision syndrome.
Join our newsletter for the latest nursing news and insights, and you could win a $50 gift card to Chipotle, Total Wine, or a coffee shop of your choice.
What is Computer Vision Syndrome?
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a medical condition resulting from focusing on a computer or tablet for extended periods of time. CVS results from a combination of prolonged near focus, reduced blink rate, poor ergonomics, glare, and uncorrected vision problems—not just “muscle fatigue.”
Typical symptoms include:
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Neck pain
- Fatigue
- Irritated, dry eyes
- Double vision
- Dizziness
Study Findings
The study found that there is a clear association between CVS and visual fatigue and sleep disturbances. The study investigated 214 nursing students and utilized different methods to determine the impact. Students were asked to fill out several questionnaires about:
- Seating position
- Positioning
- Duration of use
- Eyeglass wear
- Devices used
- Symptoms
- Underlying physical, mental, and cognitive difficulties
The Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q questionnaire) specifically looked at symptoms associated with CVS, including but not limited to:
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Frequent blinking
- Foreign body sensation
- Burning or irritation
- Near Vision focusing difficulties
- Perceived vision deterioration
- Light sensitivity
Students were also given a Sleep Quality Scale (SQS), which is a 28-item tool that looks at six areas of sleep health:
- Daytime dysfunction
- Post-sleep restoration
- Sleep onset and maintenance difficulties
- Morning alertness
- Overall sleep satisfaction
The study found that students reported physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms associated with CVS and poor sleep quality. Nursing students utilize numerous digital platforms and screens throughout the nursing school journey. The constant exposure to the screens for prolonged periods of time puts them at high risk for CVS, which is often associated with chronic sleep disturbances.
The study underscores the importance of monitoring screen time, improving ergonomics, and implementing strategies to reduce CVS symptoms among students, rather than relying exclusively on screen‑based learning.
While this might not be possible for most nursing schools, the study does offer suggestions to help mitigate the development and effects of CVS. The use of teaching via online learning platforms is cost-efficient for most nursing programs and also allows for educating larger numbers of students than would be in class.
Using screens is a daily occurrence for nurses and nursing students, but creating a shift or at least educating on the importance of mitigating risk is essential to help nurses create a safe environment which may help reduce the risk for burnout and physical strain.
🤔Nurses, share your thoughts about this below.
If you have a nursing news story that deserves to be heard, we want to amplify it to our massive community of millions of nurses! Get your story in front of Nurse.org Editors now - click here to fill out our quick submission form today!
