In a groundbreaking study that addresses an increasingly pertinent issue in modern nursing education, researchers have uncovered the significant impact of computer vision syndrome (CVS) on nursing students’ overall well-being. This study, conducted by a team of experts led by Zaky, M.E., and including Elsayed, S.M., and Alsadaan, N., delves into the prevalence of CVS and its mediating role in the complex relationship between visual fatigue and sleep disturbances. The findings represent a crucial step in understanding how the demanding nature of nursing education interacts with the heavy reliance on digital devices, a scenario many students face today.
As healthcare practices advance, the necessity for nurses to maintain competence in various technologies has surged. Nursing students are often required to engage with numerous digital screens, from research databases to simulation tools. This persistent screen exposure places them at risk for developing computer vision syndrome, a condition characterized by symptoms such as eye strain, dryness, and blurred vision. The study offers crucial insights into how this condition exacerbates visual fatigue and subsequently leads to serious issues, including chronic sleep disturbances.
Interestingly, the research suggests that the adverse effects of visual fatigue are not merely physical; they extend into cognitive and emotional domains as well. Nursing students experiencing prolonged visual strain may find it difficult to concentrate, leading to poorer academic performance and increased stress levels. As the profession demands mental acuity, these challenges can prove to be detrimental, potentially impacting future healthcare delivery. The implications of such findings highlight the urgent need for interventions aimed at mitigating these effects among nursing students.
Moreover, the research highlights a critical feedback loop wherein increased visual fatigue not only arises from prolonged screen use but also reinforces existing sleep disturbances. Those who experience sleep issues often report heightened feelings of fatigue and decreased concentration, which in turn can escalate their reliance on screens for study and coursework. As nursing education evolves with technology, understanding this cyclical relationship becomes vital for educators and stakeholders to ensure students’ academic success and health.
Furthermore, while the effects of computer vision syndrome are pertinent, the study calls attention to an often-overlooked aspect of nursing education: the potential for preventative strategies. Incorporating educational programs that promote the awareness of CVS among nursing students could be a first step toward alleviating its negative impacts. Faculty can implement guidelines on screen time management, ergonomics, and regular breaks—tactics known to reduce the likelihood of visual fatigue and its related complications.
As the study continues to stir conversation, it encourages nursing schools to reevaluate their digital engagement strategies. Many institutions may need to assess their existing curricula to identify potential sources of excessive screen time. By fostering an environment that prioritizes student health alongside academic achievement, nursing schools can help produce better-prepared professionals who thrive both academically and personally.
Furthermore, the implications extend beyond nursing education. The findings underline a growing public health concern that may ripple outward, affecting not just students but also practicing nurses and healthcare workers with high screen exposure. As technology becomes further integrated into nursing practices, understanding the full extent of CVS and its effects on overall health becomes critical. The study serves as a call to action for healthcare organizations and educators alike to cultivate environments that prioritize the well-being of those who care for others.
As these discussions take on new urgency, it’s essential for stakeholders to collaborate on solutions that integrate evidence-based practices into nursing training programs. Promoting healthier digital habits should become part of the educational curriculum. The research opens up avenues for further inquiry into how nursing education can be restructured to mitigate the impacts of technology on student health, empowering future nurses to achieve their potential.
In conclusion, the multifaceted relationship between computer vision syndrome, visual fatigue, and sleep disturbances constitutes a significant barrier within nursing education. The study conducted by Zaky, M.E. and colleagues not only identifies these challenges but also prompts a rethinking of how educational institutions can better support their students. As nursing evolves in the face of technological advancements, so too must the strategies employed to foster student health, ensuring the future of healthcare is as bright as the stars that nurse practitioners aspire to emulate.
This research serves as a pivotal reminder that within the challenging realms of healthcare education, the well-being of students must never be an afterthought. The nurturing of healthy digital habits in an age dominated by screens could very well illuminate a path toward enhanced health outcomes for both nursing students and their future patients.
Subject of Research: The impact of Computer Vision Syndrome on nursing students’ visual fatigue and sleep disturbances.
Article Title: Growing challenges in nursing education: prevalence and mediating role of computer vision syndrome in the relationship between visual fatigue and sleep disturbance among nursing students.
Article References:
Zaky, M.E., Elsayed, S.M., Alsadaan, N. et al. Growing challenges in nursing education: prevalence and mediating role of computer vision syndrome in the relationship between visual fatigue and sleep disturbance among nursing students.
BMC Nurs (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-04167-6
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1186/s12912-025-04167-6
Keywords: Computer Vision Syndrome, nursing education, visual fatigue, sleep disturbance, digital health.
