The accelerated pace of digitalization of higher education has heightened the dependency of the students who use screens to engage in learning, which has become a cause of concern regarding visual fatigue and digital ergonomic hazards. This review synthesis is based on eligible articles published since 2016 to investigate the prevalence, symptomatology and determinants of Digital Eye Strain (DES) or Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) among university students; criteria eligible articles were reviewed.  The evidence suggests that prevalence rates are always high, and they are usually between 60-90. Eye strain, eye dryness, eye burning, blurred vision and eye irritation are common ocular symptoms and other extraocular symptoms such as a headache, pains in the neck and shoulders are indicative of the musculoskeletal burden. The most promising risk factors to be considered included prolonged screen time (especially more than four to eight hours in a day of continuous screen time without taking breaks), short viewing distance, improper placement of the screen, brightness, glare, and insufficient ambient light. Poor observance of preventive measures like the 20-20-20 rule and low blink rate are other factors that cause behavioral determinants that promote the severity of the symptoms. Although well associated, the majority of studies are based on cross-sectional and self-reported information, which cannot be considered causal relationships; hence, the review highlights the necessity to introduce standardized assessment systems, longitudinal studies, and combined ergonomic interventions. Visual fatigue seems to be a common but adjustable health issue that should be addressed by institutions in online academic settings.

Keywords

Visual fatigue; Computer Vision Syndrome; Digital Eye Strain; Screen-based learning; Digital ergonomics.