Official publication of Rawalpindi Medical University
Prevalence of Digital Eye Strain and Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) Among Radiologists: A Survey-Based Cross-Sectional Study

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Keywords

Computer Vision Syndrome
Digital Eyestrain
Occupational Hazard
Radiologists
PACS
Pakistan

How to Cite

1.
Fazal M, Asghar A, Haq RIU, Qureshi WW. Prevalence of Digital Eye Strain and Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) Among Radiologists: A Survey-Based Cross-Sectional Study. JRMC [Internet]. 2026 Mar. 31 [cited 2026 Mar. 31];30(1). Available from: https://journalrmc.com/index.php/JRMC/article/view/2945

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Digital Eye Strain (DES)/Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) among radiologists and evaluate associated risk factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across multiple cities of Pakistan from January to April 2025.  A reliable and validated CVS questionnaire was distributed among radiology physicians to assess the symptoms of CVS. Risk factor assessment was done by acquiring relevant demographic and ocular health-related information, as well as data on the workplace environment and ergonomics. Non-parametric methods were employed for both univariate and multivariate analyses in order to determine associations between CVS score and various demographic and health-related variables.

Results: Out of 242 participating radiologists, 44.6% were males and 55.4% females. The overall prevalence of CVS was 56.6%. The most frequently reported symptoms were headache (73.4%), worsening of eyesight (59.1%), and heavy eyelids (57.9%). Higher CVS scores were significantly associated with postgraduate residents, longer daily working hours, and fewer work breaks. Frequent breaks and older age were identified as protective factors.

Conclusion: CVS is a prevalent occupational hazard among radiologists in Pakistan, closely linked to extended digital screen time and work-related demands. Addressing modifiable risk factors can help reduce symptom burden and improve radiologists' comfort and diagnostic performance.

Keywords: Computers, Eyestrain, Occupational Diseases, Radiologists, Picture Archiving and Communication Systems.

https://doi.org/10.37939/jrmc.v30i1.2945

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Copyright (c) 2026 Maham Fazal, Asfandyar Asghar, Rana Intisar Ul Haq, Wali Waqar Qureshi