Digital eye strain among Indian university students in the post-COVID era: a cross-sectional study

Background Digital Eye Strain (DES), also known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), has become increasingly prevalent with the expansion of digital device use, particularly in academic settings. University students represent a high-risk group due to prolonged screen exposure. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of DES using a validated instrument and to examine its association with screen time and related factors. Methodology A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among undergraduate students in Chennai, India, between January and March 2025. A structured questionnaire, including the validated Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q), was administered using a non-probability convenience sampling approach through institutional academic groups. DES was defined as a CVS-Q score ≥6. Screen time was analyzed across all exposure categories. Descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Of all undergraduate students invited to participate in the study, 1,070 responded to the questionnaire. After excluding 24 incomplete responses, 1,046 participants were included in the final analysis (mean age 20 years; 61.8% female). Overall, 94.1% reported at least one symptom, and 73.7% met the criteria for DES (CVS-Q ≥6). Median CVS-Q scores increased progressively with screen time ( P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between increasing screen time and DES ( P < 0.001). Female participants had significantly higher symptom scores ( P = 0.003). Increased screen time was also associated with higher odds of headache, with the highest risk observed in the >10 h group (OR = 6.53; 95% CI: 2.14–19.92; P = 0.001). Conclusion DES is highly prevalent among undergraduate students and is associated with prolonged screen exposure and modifiable ergonomic factors, highlighting the need for structured preventive strategies, including digital hygiene awareness and ergonomic education within academic institutions, while representing a modifiable, lifestyle-associated health condition that aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing (Target 3.4), emphasizing prevention and promotion of wellbeing.