Promoting eye health through an educational intervention on computer vision syndrome and eye exercise methods among a college co-ed fraternity

Background: Computer Vision Syndrome threatens eye health due to frequent use of computers and other technologies that require students to look at LED screens. CVS describes a group of vision related problems associated with the prolonged use of computers and other screen-dominant devices, such as eyestrain. An intervention was conducted with the goal of educating members of a college co-ed fraternity about the negative effects of CVS and the prevention of CVS.

Program Design/ Methods: A brief, one-time CVS prevention workshop was held for the fraternity members. Flyers containing a list of recommended eye exercises were distributed and each exercise was demonstrated. The fraternity members were also added to an online group, through which the program designers reminded the participants to perform their exercises 2-3 times per week for three weeks. Pre and post-test surveys measuring awareness of CVS and knowledge of proper eye exercise procedures were distributed before and after the intervention, 4 weeks apart.

Results: Forty-four participants filled out both the pre and post test. Awareness of CVS among fraternity members increased from 41% to 78%. In addition, knowledge of how to properly perform the exercises increased from 14.6% to 58%. Before the intervention, none of the members exercised their eyes three or more times a week; however this increased to 12% at end of the campaign.

Discussion: Findings suggest that a brief intervention about CVS and its prevention can be effective in promoting eye health among college students. College campuses should consider educating students about CVS.