Pattern of computer usage and visual acuity among computer users at National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

Computerized jobs are more sedentary as it requires more cognitive processing and mental attention. Besides, to put computers into operation for many tasks in tandem means that the operator would necessarily sit before visual display terminal of computers screen within a very restricted posture range. This could have deteriorative effects on the eyes. Hence, this study investigated the pattern of computer use in association with visual acuity among National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) staff. The study was a cross-sectional survey which utilized multi-stage sampling method to recruit 297 staff from selected 17 NOUN Study Centres. A self-administered and structured questionnaire was used to obtain information for the study. Snellens and Jeggars chart were used to determine visual acuity among the respondents. Findings from the study revealed that prolonged “daily” computer use was associated with less desirable visual acuity (p<0.05). Likewise, the longer the hours spent on daily computer use, the lesser the desirable visual acuity (p<0.05). It is however, recommended that periodic eye examination and public health campaign should be adopted as preventive strategies in order to maintain vision integrity among computer users.   Key words: Pattern, computer use, visual acuity.