Demographic Characteristics and ABO Blood Group Genotypes Influence Susceptibility to Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Computer devices have become an important part of human life because they make work easier and thus increase output. However, the use of computer devices has led to the occurrence of computer vision syndrome (CVS). The current study was aimed at determining the demographic characteristics, influence of ABO blood groups, and diseases associated with CVS in Lagos, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Structured questionnaires were used to collect demographic information from 153 CVS patients at Unique Eyes Center, Lagos. The data collected includes age, gender, educational level, ethnicity, religion, type of device use, duration spent on devices, marital status, and diseases frequently expressed. The ABO blood groups of the participants were thereafter collected from their medical records.

Results: The results showed that 89 (58.70%) of the respondents were males, while 64 (41.83%) were females. Most of the respondents were > 40 years old, with 78 members (50.98%), followed by age class 21–40 with 48 members (31.37%) and age class 10–20 with 27 members (17.65%).With respect to respondents educational status, 2(1.31%) had primary education, 28(18.30%) had secondary education while the majority 123(80.39%) had tertiary education. Regarding the marital status, married participants were 72 (47.06%) in number, others included singles 48 (31.37%), divorced 18 (11.76%), and widowed 15 (9.80%). There were 81 (52.94%) Christians, and 72(47.06%) Muslims. The Yoruba ethnic group made up 78 (50.98%), while others were Igbo 43 (28.10%), and Hausa/Fulani were 32 (20.92%). A total of 110 (71.90%) used desktops, 28 (18.30%) used androids, and 15 (9.80%) used laptops or iPads. One hundred and sixteen (75.82%) participants used computer devices continuously, while 37 (24.13%) used them intermittently. People with non-O blood types constituted the majority, of which those with type A blood were the most affected, having accounted for 51 (33.33%) of the overall population. Headache, blurred vision, eye strain, double vision, and neck/shoulder/back pain were strongly associated with CVS in the study area.

Conclusion: The results suggest that demographic characteristics and ABO blood groups genotypes influence susceptibility to CVS among computer users in Lagos. Non-O blood group individuals, mainly type A blood are particularly at risk. People are advised to limit time spent on computer devices and get regular eye tests.