UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 1

Univeristy of Santo Tomas

Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
Espana, Manila

A Research Study Presented to the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of

University of Santo Tomas
Espana, Manila

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

For the Degree of Doctor of Medicine

“Computer Vision Syndrome and its association with prolonged computer use
among college students: A cross sectional study”

Submitted by:
Labajo, Alyssa Marie F.
Lacson, Jo Rocel Z.
Lacson, Limonick N.
Lacson, Tristan Duane G.
Lancero, Debbie Ann P.

Wenceslao S. Llauderes, MD
Co-author

Submitted to:
Department of Clinical Epidemiology
Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
University of Santo Tomas

January 27, 2018

 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 2

Title Page…………………………………………………………………………………… 1
Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………. 2
ABSTRACT………………………………………………………………….……………….3
1. INTRODUCTION………………………………………….…………………………….. 5
1.1. Background of the Study…………………………………………………………... 5
1.2. Research Questions………………………………………………………………... 7
1.3. Objectives of the Study…………………………………………………………….. 7
1.4. Hypotheses………………………………………………………………………….. 8
1.5. Significance of the Study…………………………………………………………... 8
1.6. Scope and Limitation……………………………………………………………….. 8
2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE……………………………………..………. 10
3. METHODOLOGY……………………………………………………………………… 19
3.1. Research Design…………………………………………………..……………....19
3.2. Selection of Subjects…..…………..……………………………………………. 20
3.3. Study Instrument.………………………………..………………………………. 20
3.4. Procedure…………………………………..……………………………………... 20
3.5. Statistical Methods…………………………...………………………………..…. 21
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………22
5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS………………………………………...29
BIBLIOGRAPHY……………………………………………………………………………31
APPENDICES……………………………………………………………………………….34
APPENDIX A – Informed Consent Form……………..…………….…………………….34
APPENDIX B – CVS-Questionnaire..…………………………………………………….36
APPENDIX C - Sample Size Computation………………………….……………………38
APPENDIX D - Reference Table………………………………………………………….39
CURRICULUM VITAE………………………………………………………………..…… 41
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 3

ABSTRACT

The advent of technology such as computers, laptops and tablets are widely

used by people in schools, universities, offices, hospitals etc. Due to which, the

chances of acquiring Computer Vision Syndrome have greatly increased making it a

significant upcoming problem, thus making ubiquitous awareness a necessity.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is the combination of eye and vision problems

associated with the use of computers. The objectives of the study were to identify the

association between the duration of computer use and the development of computer

vision syndrome, to identify the presence of computer vision syndrome among the

college students of UST Faculty of Pharmacy, to determine the most commonly

encountered symptom of CVS, and to utilize the CVS- Questionnaire in determining

the presence of CVS among college students. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-

sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of both the ocular and

extraocular symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) among selected college

students enrolled in UST Faculty of Pharmacy. A validated and structured 16- item

questionnaire was used for data collection, and was distributed among the study

population to assess the presence of computer vision syndrome. Demographic

characteristics, pattern of usage of computers and associated ocular, and visual

symptoms were recorded. A total of 154 Faculty of Pharmacy college students, were

surveyed. Researchers found out that students who used computer for more than 3

hours per day experienced significantly more symptoms of CVS (p=0.0000). Upon
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 4

observation, 61% of the students were using gadgets for more than 3 hours while 39%

were observed with less than 3 hours of usage. The prevalence of symptoms of CVS

(one or more) was found to be 62.3%.The results revealed that those identified with

CVS reported an occasional burning, itching, feeling of foreign body on the eyes,

excessive blinking, eye redness, eye pain, dryness, blurred vision, increased sensitivity

to light, feeling that eyesight is worsening, headache, and tearing than those without

CVS. The most disturbing symptom was headache (92.7%) followed by eye tearing

(84.3%). Binary (Binomial) Logistic Regression was used to predict the Odds of

Success (Utilized) given the variables. In conclusion, there is a significant association

between the prolonged computer use (>3 hours/ day) with the presence of computer

vision syndrome.
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 5

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

With the advent of contemporary technology revolution,our way of living is so

much easier that it would hardly imagine life without computer, internet, cable TV,

cellular phones, various tools and gadgets. Computers are one of the main tools in

businesses, educational institutes, offices, homes and even in cars. However, on the

other hand, it have created many risks for human health. The negative risks associated

with the usage of these technologies are increasing with their growing demand day by

day. Part of the modern workday, is staring at a computer monitor for hours till the end

of the day. Almost all institutions, colleges, universities and homes today were using

computer regularly and inevitably, all of that staring can put a real strain on your eyes.

Almost all institutions, colleges, universities and homes today were using

computer regularly. Using computers had become a necessity. However, computer use

of at least 3 hours per day led to a health risk of developing computer vision syndrome

(CVS), low back pain, tension headaches and psychosocial stress. Computer use

certainly improved the quality of the work and efficiency but caused ocular problems,

such as dry eye, redness, irritation, eye strain, tired eyes, temporary blurred vision, light

sensitivity and muscular problems that stem from using a computer. These symptoms

experienced by the college students is collectively termed as computer vision

 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 6

syndrome, which comprised of ocular surface abnormalities or accommodative spasms

and/or extra-ocular etiologies due to improper posture such as neck and upper back

pain and headache.

Computer Vision Syndrome or sometimes referred as Digital eye strain are a

group of vision or eye-related problem which is a result of prolonged computer, tablet

and cellphone use. Many individuals experience eye discomfort and vision problems

when viewing digital screens for extended periods. CVS is not just a one specific eye

problem but this comprehensively includes a whole range of eye strain and pain

experienced by computer users. Research shows computer eye problems are

common. Somewhere between 50% and 90% of people who work at a computer screen

have at least some symptoms of eye trouble. In addition, college students aren't the

only ones vulnerable to computer visual syndrome.Working adults who use computer

the whole day and kids who stare at portable video games or tablets or who use

computers throughout the day at school also can experience eye problems related to

computer use.

Computer Vision Syndrome would not be possible without Video Display

Terminals. Video Display Terminal is the term used for the computer display or what is

called a monitor. Many individuals who work with a computer experience eye-related

discomforts or visual problems. However, it is unclear if these problems occurs to a

greater extent in people who use the computers and those who do not. Operators of

Video Display Terminal who worked for about 5 hours a day for an average of about 5

years reported a variety of visual symptoms.

 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 7

It is necessary to examine the direct or indirect effects of computers on human

health because the world at this time is heavily dependent upon computers and it is

human beings that use computers. Therefore, this study has made an attempt to

investigate the effects of prolonged computer use to the development of Computer

Vision Syndrome among individuals.

1.2 . RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.2.1 Is there an association between the duration of computer use and the

development of Computer Vision Syndrome among college students?

1.2.2 What symptom of computer vision syndrome is mostly experienced by the

college students?

1.3. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

● To identify the association between the duration of computer use and the

development of Computer Vision Syndrome

● To identify the presence of Computer Vision syndrome among college

students

● To determine the most commonly encountered symptom of the Computer

Vision Syndrome

● To utilize the CVS-Questionnaire in determining the presence of CVS

among college students.

 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 8

1.4. HYPOTHESES

Null Hypothesis: College students who use computers for >3hrs have lower

risk of developing Computer Vision Syndrome.

Alternative Hypothesis: College students who use computers for >3hrs have

higher risk of developing Computer Vision Syndrome.

1.5. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study will contribute as evidence-based information to the little literature

available on CVS among college students. Information about CVS knowledge will help

educators to develop strategies that will be used to reduce the effects of CVS in the

selected population. The strategies, if eventually applied would help increase the

productivity in the workplace and the associated visual discomfort of the college

students will be alleviated.

Training institutions and health educators will find the information useful for

developing and revising curricula that will enhance knowledge and level of awareness

of CVS among computer users. This will contribute to the reduction in the occurrence

and effects of CVS on college students.

1.6. SCOPE AND LIMITATION

The study will take place in the Faculty of Pharmacy in the University of Santo

Tomas. Accessible population to be included are those people who will conform to the
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 9

eligibility criteria and who will be available at the time of the conduct of the study.

In this study, the inclusion criteria will be:

● Students of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Pharmacy

● Students (male and female) whose duties involve the use of a computer for at

least one hour per day

The exclusion criterion includes:

● Students who are using medication that affect visual health, diagnosed with

underlying systemic disease like Diabetes, Hypertension, and having

preexisting eye diseases (Noreen et al, 2016).

● Students who do not give informed written consent.

In this study, generalization of the findings may be limited since only one

institution will be included in the study.

 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 10

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The American Optometric Association (AOA) defines computer vision syndrome

(CVS) as the complex of eye and vision problems related to near work, which are

experienced during or related to computer use (del mar Segui, et. al., 2015). CVS is

characterized by visual symptoms resulting from interaction with a computer display or

its environment. In most cases, symptoms occur because the visual demands of the

task exceed the visual abilities of the individual to comfortably perform the task. These

symptoms comprise a complex of ocular and extraocular symptoms (itching, burning,

dryness, blurred vision, or photophobia) that occur during or immediately after the

workday. The most common symptoms reported in a national survey by optometrists

were eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, neck or shoulder pains (Chiemeke et al

2007). Rathore, Bagdi & Rathore (2011) also stated eyestrain, headaches, blurred

vision, dry eyes, neck and shoulder pains as some of the symptoms of CVS. Patients

with CVS may also complain of eye burning sensation, redness, stinging sensation,

tearing and photophobia (Izquierdo 2010). The level of visual discomfort that occurs

with computer users appears to increase with the amount of computer use. Based on

current evidence, it is unlikely that use of computers causes permanent damage to the

eyes. However, some users of computer may experience continued reduced visual

abilities such as blurred distance vision even after work (Chiemeke et al 2007).
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 11

CVS is caused by the eye and brain reacting differently to characters on the

screen than they do to printed characters. The eye focusing mechanism is not meant

for electronically generated characters but it responds very well to characters with well

defined edges and good background and contrast between the background and the

letters. The computer screen constantly refreshes at a certain rate whereas paper is

steady and the characters on a computer screen lack the contrast or well defined edges

than printed characters have. This makes the human eyes very difficult to focus on

electronic characters; having to continuously refocusing on digital text fatigues the eyes

and can lead to burning or tired eyes (Blehm et al., 2005; Anshel, 2005). Some

computer users may experience continued reduced visual abilities such as blurred

distant vision even after work (Chiemeke et al., 2007). The symptoms may be

aggravated by poor lighting, glare, improper work station set-up and uncorrected

refractive errors (Ihemedu and Omolase, 2010; Torrey, 2003). CVS is also caused by

decreased blinking reflex while working long hours focusing on computer screens.

Normal blink rate is about 16-18 times per minute. Studies show that blink rate

decreases to as low as 6-8 blinks per minute (about 1/3rd the normal rate) which leads

to dry eyes (Anshel 2006; Rathore et al 2010). Also the near focusing effort required

for such long hours puts strain on the ciliary muscle of the eye.

According to a study by Abida et. al in 2011, computer vision syndrome was

found comparatively higher among those who use computer ≥ four hours daily. This

indicates the effects of computer screen in form of electromagnetic radiations and the

disorders of carpal tunnel syndrome and musculoskeletal disorders indicates the

 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 12

additional risk factors such as working with bent wrists, a lack of rest for the hands and

wrists etc. and improper placement of work materials such as computer chair.

Individuals who are employee as well as student are more subjected to computer vision

syndrome as compared to other disorders. This may be because they spend more time

on computers and are directly subjected to ionizing radiation from computers.

Individuals who are employees experience almost all problems. Similarly, respondents

of age between 25-30 are more subjected to computer vision syndrome and individuals

of age more than 30 are more likely to experience all the problems simultaneously.

Computer work is also particularly stressful for contact lens wearers. Long non-blinking

phases may cause the surfaces of most lenses to dry out which can lead to discomfort

and reduction in visual clarity (Anshel 2006). Many patients with CVS also complain of

light sensitivity which is worsened by high wattage fluorescent or flickering lights at the

workplace (Izquierdo 2010). Uncorrected refractive errors may contribute to CVS due

to fatigue with visual tasks. Computer users who are middle-aged and older may have

presbyopia, an eye condition characterised by decreased near and intermediate visual

acuities, which are needed for the various working distances of computer users

(Izquierdo 2010). Working for prolonged hours of time looking at the computer monitor

is a risk factor that may also lead computer users to have dry eye symptoms. Further,

patients with pre-existing dry eyes may have exacerbated symptoms when using a

computer (Izquierdo 2010). Previous studies (Craig & Tomlinson 1998; Maissa &

Guillon 2010) have shown that female patients as compared to male patients tend to

have a reduction in the tear film’s aqueous layer with increasing age, thus may be more
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 13

susceptible to CVS as they grow older (Izquierdo 2010). Dry eye is more prevalent in

older patients and more marked in women than men. The increase in dry eye with aging

is traditionally thought to be associated with a decrease in tear production enhanced

by hormonal changes. Clinical evidence of an abnormal lipid production system in older

patients, particularly women is established. Maissa & Guillon (2010) in their study

concluded that the rate of evaporation of tears in older women was 34-80% higher than

that of older men, and 36- 69% higher than younger women.

CVS remains an underestimated and poorly understood issue at the workplace

(Izquierdo, Garcia, Buxo & Izquierdo 2004, p.103). About 70% of computer workers

worldwide report having vision problems and there is an alarming increases in the

number of people affected (Blehm, Vishnu, Khattak, Mitra & Yee 2005). Not much is

known about CVS among children in Africa who are also increasingly becoming regular

computer users. Some researchers (Divjak & Bischof 2009, p.350; Mvungi et al 2009,

p.69) explain that CVS can be avoided by suitable preventive actions but majority of

the sufferers are ignorant of this. In this light, some eye care professionals have

referred to CVS as the number one occupational epidemic of the 21st century (Graney;

Torrey 2003). According to a study conducted by Abida et. al in 2011, in order to check

the awareness level of users about effects of prolonged computer use, people involved

in the study were asked to indicate the cause of their health disorder. It was interesting

to observe that majority are aware of the effects of computer use, and they regard

computer work as a cause of their health disorder. This awareness is particularly useful

in the sense that if any safety measures are introduced to computer users in order to
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 14

minimize or prevent further hazardous effects on health.

CVS is a diagnosis of exclusion, hence an acceptable diagnostic and grading

system needs to be established and the tendency to label any vague collection of

symptoms as CVS needs to be discouraged (Bali et al 2007; Chakrabarti 2007). Since

the symptoms of CVS can occur in people who do not use computers, the diagnosis of

CVS is made in conjunction with the symptoms the computer-using patient reports

(Anshel 2006). The patient history should be obtained, including age, chief complaint

and onset of symptoms (Izquierdo 2010). A questionnaire should be given to collect

information about the history of computer use, their work habits, window proximity,

ceiling and desk illumination, type and position of their computer equipment (Anshel

2007). Previous eyeglasses and eye drops should be evaluated. Review of systems

may include issues such as xerostomia, thyroid disease, menopause, arthritis, carpal

tunnel syndrome, Parkinson’s disease and systemic medication use that may

exacerbate dry eye symptoms (examples are anticholinergics, antihistamines,

antidepressants and diuretics) (Izquierdo 2010).

Patients with CVS should undergo a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation that

includes the following: best corrected visual acuity for near, intermediate and distance

vision, a Schirmer test to evaluate for dry eye, a slit lamp examination to evaluate tear

meniscus and corneal staining, manifest refraction at near, intermediate and distance

for refractive errors, measurement of intraocular pressure and a fundus examination to

evaluate the optic nerve, vessels, macula and peripheral retina (Izquierdo 2010,

Rathore et al 2010).
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 15

Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q)

The CVS-Q by del mar Segui, Cabrero-Garcia, Crespo, Verdu, and Ronda was

based on a literature review and validated through discussion with experts and

performance of a pretest, pilot test, and retest. The literature review on CVS related to

computer use in the workplace revealed many gaps in the knowledge of this condition

due to lack of validated instruments. CVS was measured using questionnaires, which

did not follow a standard pattern, and the prevalence results were highly disparate. So

in this study entitled ‘A reliable and valid questionnaire was developed to measure

computer vision syndrome at the workplace’, it aimed to design and validate a

questionnaire to measure visual symptoms related to visual display terminals (VDTs)

in the workplace to overcome the deficiencies detected in the previous instruments.

Scientific literature on the association between VDT exposure the occurrence of

ocular and visual symptoms were gathered and served as bases for defining CVS.

Studies were selected if they met all of the following criteria: the study population

consisted of workers who routinely used the computer during their workday, the study

examined ocular and visual symptoms as a work-related outcome, and the study had

an epidemiologic design (not a review). A total of 14 studies met all of these criteria for

review. Based on the review of these studies, a complete list of symptoms was

formulated which were evaluated by different authors. Each symptom in this list was

considered one item in the questionnaire. The results of the literature review served as

the basis for the discussion of content validity by a group of experts in carrying out
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 16

occupational health surveillance in optometry and ophthalmology. Rasch analysis or

rating scale model (RSM) was used in the psychometric evaluation of the questionnaire

which is the simplest Rasch model for polytomous items. RSM allows items to vary in

their level of difficulty but assumes that all items share the same rating scale structure.

Because of its more restrictive nature, it is robust for small- or medium- sized samples

and it is likely to provide more generalizable results. The questionnaire also underwent

a criterion validity which measured the validity of the questionnaire compared with a

criterion which is usually a gold standard. It was analyzed to determine whether the

questionnaire correctly or incorrectly classified workers who suffered CVS as

symptomatic. However, in this study there was no gold standard so the criterion used

was obtained from the articles in the literature review. Criterion validity was determined

by calculating the sensitivity and specificity, receiver operator characteristic curve, and

cutoff point. Test-retest repeatability was tested using the intraclass correlation

coefficient (ICC) and concordance by Cohen’s kappa (k). It was performed to to

evaluate whether the time between test administrations influenced the difference in the

ratings obtained, the retest was applied at different intervals (7 to 62 days; mean 30.50

+/- 14.23). Based on the results of the literature review, 16 symptoms were selected

and it was also decided upon by the members of the group to measure the frequency

of occurrence and the intensity of each symptom. To measure the frequency of

occurrence, that is, how often the symptom was presented, a rating scale of 0-3 points,

with the following categories: never=0, occasionally=1 (sporadic episodes or once a

week), often=2 (two or three times a week), and very often or always=3 (almost every
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 17

day). The three levels of intensity, or strength of the symptom, were graded similarly,

on a scale of 1 to 3 points, where moderate=1, intense=2, and very intense=3. In the

analysis, a symptom rated as never occurring was treated as 0 (none) on the intensity

scale. Finally, the following expression was proposed to calculate the total score on the

questionnaire:

This expression was proposed so that both the frequency and intensity of the

symptom would be included in the score obtained, given that both have clinical

importance.

The main strength of this study is the high degree of compliance with the

methodological steps recommended in the international scientific literature for the

design and validation of health questionnaires. However, this study presents a series

of limitations that must be considered. First, the diagnosis of CVS is based on patient-

reported outcomes because there is no gold standard for objective measurement of the

presence or absence of that condition. Second, the failure to control for work-related

and ocular conditions in the test-retest because it was assumed that these would

remain the same between the first and second administration of the questionnaire. And

lastly, the questionnaire lacks sufficient items for more precise measurement at the

lower end of the scale where persons without symptoms or with few or milder symptoms

would be located. In these cases, in an effort to standardize clinical practice, another

test must sometimes be chosen as a standard of validity, recognizing that it is not

 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 18

perfect but is considered the best available standard (silver standard). In conclusion,

CVS-Q is a valid and reliable tool to be included in eye examinations conducted in

regular patient care and in clinical trials for the control and monitoring of the visual

health of workers exposed to computer screens. The CVS-Q has acceptable

psychometric properties; fits the Rasch model, and shows adequate internal validity

and reliability. Its sensitivity and specificity are over 70%, and it achieves good test-

retest repeatability both for the scores obtained and for the classification or diagnosis.
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 19

CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1. Research Design: CROSS SECTIONAL

Figure 1. Study design of prevalence of CVS in relation with duration of computer use

among college students

A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted to determine

the prevalence of both the ocular and extraocular symptoms of Computer Vision

Syndrome (CVS) among selected college students enrolled in UST Faculty of

Pharmacy. Questionnaires were distributed to the selected population to quickly assess

the prevalence of CVS among the qualified participants that have met the inclusion

criteria.
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 20

3.2. Selection of the Subjects

Participants included in the study were college students who use computers.

The students were randomly selected and were invited for the study. Informed written

consent were obtained from each and every one of them.

3.3. Study Instrument

This research study utilized the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire

(CVS-Q) validated by del Mar Sequi, et. al. (2015). This questionnaire went through a

high degree of compliance with the methodological steps recommended in the

international scientific literature for the design and validation of health questionnaires

and is considered the main strength of the study. The CVS-Q includes 16 symptoms

that are scored using two rating scales for each symptom, one for frequency and the

other for intensity. The responses to the two rating scales for each symptom were

combined multiplicatively into one rating scale for the analysis, resulting in a single

symptom severity.

3.4. Procedure

A cross sectional study was conducted among selected college students. The

participants will be briefed about the purpose and objectives of the study before taking

consent form them. The participants will be surveyed using a validated and structured

questionnaire (CVS-Q). These questionnaires will be distributed among the study

population and will be collected on the same day. Demographic characteristics, pattern
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 21

of usage of computers and associated ocular and visual symptoms will be recorded.

Data gathered will then be analyzed statistically.

3.5. Statistical Methods

For sample size computation, the researcher used G*Power Software. The

effect size used for sample size computation was based on the reference study: “A

Study Of Computer-Related Upper Limb Discomfort and Computer Vision Syndrome”

by Sen, A. and Richardson, S. The odds ratio of 9.7357 was based on the association

of duration of PC usage and spells of continuous pc works. The error used was 0.05 at

95% confidence interval. The 154 respondents of the study correspond to 83.78%

actual power (power of analysis). See appendix for the computation of sample size.

Frequency and percentages were used to describe the profile of the patients

and report their characteristics. Binary (binomial) logistic regression was used to predict

the Odds of Success (Utilized) given the variables; the independent variable was the

duration of computer use and the dependent variable was the symptoms associated

with CVS. Omnibus test for model coefficients was used to test the relationship of these

independent and dependent variables. Nagelkerke R2 was also used due to its ability

to produce higher predicting ability than Cox and Snell R2. The Nagelkerke R2 values

ranges from 0 to 1, the more it reaches 1, the higher the predicting ability it is. The

estimates (Variable sin the equation) was utilized to show how the odds of success of

each dependent variable increase as the independent variable increases.

 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 22

CHAPTER 4

RESULTS & DISCUSSION

Table 1. Baseline characteristics of the study sample.

Frequency Percent
Age 17 and below 17 11.0%
18 YO 34 22.1%
19 YO 59 38.3%
20 YO 30 19.5%
21 and above 14 9.1%
Sex Male 73 47.4%
Female 81 52.6%
Department Medical Technology 80 51.9%
Pharmacy 72 46.8%
Missing 2 1.3%
Number of hours <=3 60 39.0%
>3 94 61.0%
CVS Group <=6 58 37.7%
>6 96 62.3%

Table 1 presents profile of the patients. 38.3% were 19 years old followed by

those 18 years old with 22.1%, 20 years old with 19.5%, 17 years old and below with

11% while 9.1% aged 21 years old and above. Gender was evenly distributed, 52.6%

were female while 47.4% were male respondents. Respondents from Medical

Technology were 51.9% and those from Pharmacy were 46.8%. Upon observation,

61% of the patients were using gadgets for more than 3 hours while 39% were

observed with less than or equal to 3 hours of usage. 62.3% of the respondents were

positive with CVS.

 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 23

Table 2. Correlation between number of hours and prevalence of CVS

Number of hours
Odds R- P-
<=3 >3 Interpretation
Ratio square value
F % F %
CVS <=6 45 75.0% 13 13.8%
Group 18.692 44.5% 0.000 Significant
>6 15 25.0% 81 86.2%

Table 2 shows that with a p-value of 0.000, null hypothesis was rejected at 0.05

α-level of significance. Alternative hypothesis was accepted meaning college students

who use computers for >3hrs have higher risk of developing Computer Vision

Syndrome. The odds ratio of 18.692 shows that patients with >3 hours of computer

usage are 18.692 times more likely to develop CVS. The model has a predicting ability

of about 44.5% which means that number of hours can describe CVS of about 44.5%.
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 24

Correlation
100.0%
86.2%
75.0%
80.0%

60.0%
<=6
40.0% >6
25.0%
20.0% 13.8%

0.0%
<=3 >3

Figure 2. Correlation between number of hours and CVS prevalence.

Association of prolonged computer use with the prevalence of Computer Vision

Syndrome is shown in figure 2. Twenty- five percent of computer users for ≤3 hours

had CVS while 86.2% of computer users for >3 hours had CVS.
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 25

Table 3. Distribution of symptoms according to frequency and intensity.

CVS Group
<=6 >6 Total
F % F %
Burning Never 53 91.4% 47 49.0% 100
Occasionally 5 8.6% 46 47.9% 51
Often/Always 0 0.0% 3 3.1% 3
Itching Never 33 56.9% 30 31.3% 63
Occasionally 22 37.9% 58 60.4% 80
Often/Always 3 5.2% 8 8.3% 11
Feeling of Never 38 65.5% 26 27.1% 64
foreign Occasionally 18 31.0% 59 61.5% 77
body on
the eyes Often/Always 2 3.4% 11 11.5% 13
Excessive Never 43 74.1% 35 36.5% 78
blinking Occasionally 15 25.9% 49 51.0% 64
Often/Always 0 0.0% 12 12.5% 12
Eye Never 40 69.0% 30 31.3% 70
redness Occasionally 18 31.0% 52 54.2% 70
Often/Always 0 0.0% 14 14.6% 14
Eye pain Never 48 82.8% 40 41.7% 88
Occasionally 10 17.2% 43 44.8% 53
Often/Always 0 0.0% 13 13.5% 13
Heavy Never 52 89.7% 44 45.8% 96
eyelids Occasionally 5 8.6% 41 42.7% 46
Often/Always 1 1.7% 11 11.5% 12
Dryness Never 37 63.8% 23 24.0% 60
Occasionally 20 34.5% 55 57.3% 75
Often/Always 1 1.7% 18 18.8% 19
Blurred Never 47 81.0% 28 29.2% 75
vision Occasionally 10 17.2% 53 55.2% 63
Often/Always 1 1.7% 15 15.6% 16
Double Never 57 98.3% 60 62.5% 117
vision Occasionally 1 1.7% 29 30.2% 30
Often/Always 0 0.0% 7 7.3% 7
Difficulty Never 56 96.6% 43 44.8% 99
focusing Occasionally 2 3.4% 42 43.8% 44
on near
objects Often/Always 0 0.0% 11 11.5% 11
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 26

Increased Never 51 87.9% 26 27.1% 77

sensitivity Occasionally 7 12.1% 58 60.4% 65
to light Often/Always 0 0.0% 12 12.5% 12
Coloured Never 57 98.3% 59 61.5% 116
halos Occasionally 1 1.7% 31 32.3% 32
around
objects Often/Always 0 0.0% 6 6.3% 6
Feeling Never 42 72.4% 20 20.8% 62
that Occasionally 15 25.9% 57 59.4% 72
eyesight
is Often/Always 1 1.7% 19 19.8% 20
worsening
Headache Never 17 29.3% 7 7.3% 24
Occasionally 41 70.7% 70 72.9% 111
Often/Always 0 0.0% 19 19.8% 19
Tearing Never 44 75.9% 15 15.6% 59
Occasionally 14 24.1% 73 76.0% 87
Often/Always 0 0.0% 8 8.3% 8

Table 3 tabulates the symptoms associated with CVS present in our

respondents. The results revealed that those identified with CVS reported most

commonly an occasional burning, itching, and feeling of foreign body on the eyes,

excessive blinking, eye redness, eye pain, dryness, blurred vision, increased sensitivity

to light, feeling that eyesight is worsening, headache, and tearing than those without

CVS. According to KY Loh, et al (Dec, 2008), the symptoms experienced in computer

vision syndrome are caused by three potential mechanisms: (i) Extra ocular

mechanism, (ii) accommodative mechanism, (iii) ocular surface

mechanism. Extraocular mechanism causes musculoskeletal symptoms such as neck

stiffness, pain, headache, backache and shoulder pain. Accommodative mechanism

causes blurring of vision, double vision, presbyopia, myopia and slowness of focus
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 27

change. In one study it was reported that a transient myopia was observed in 20% of

computer users at the end of their work shift. Many people may have slight

accommodative problem or binocular problems which do not usually cause symptoms

when they are doing ordinary less strenuous visual task, but these problems are worsen

in prolonged period of computer usage. Ocular surface mechanism causes symptoms

such as dryness of the eyes, redness, gritty sensation or feeling of foreign body in the

eyes and burning after extended period of computer usage. These symptoms may be

multifactorial, among the common factors found to be related to dryness and redness

of the eyes are cornea dryness, reduction in blink rate, increased surface of cornea

exposure caused by horizontal gaze at the computer screen, reduction of tear

production due to ageing process, contact lens usage, medication such as

antihistamines and systemic medical illnesses such as autoimmune connective tissue

disease.
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 28

Table 4. Correlation of the duration of computer use with severity of CVS.

Odds R-
P-value Interpretation
Ratio square
Burning 1.479 12.9% 0.000 Significant
Itching 1.382 9.3% 0.000 Significant
Feeling of foreign body on the eyes 1.082 0.6% 0.363 Not Significant
Excessive blinking 1.229 4.2% 0.018 Significant
Eye redness 1.500 14.2% 0.000 Significant
Eye pain 1.265 5.3% 0.008 Significant
Heavy eyelids 1.144 1.7% 0.134 Not Significant
Dryness 1.411 10.7% 0.000 Significant
Blurred vision 1.306 7.3% 0.002 Significant
Double vision 1.348 7.1% 0.005 Significant
Difficulty focusing on near objects 1.480 13.0% 0.000 Significant
Increased sensitivity to light 1.815 26.7% 0.000 Significant
Coloured halos around objects 1.270 4.6% 0.020 Significant
Feeling that eyesight is worsening 1.413 11.3% 0.000 Significant
Headache 1.383 8.2% 0.001 Significant
Tearing 2.110 33.1% 0.000 Significant

Table 4 shows that as the duration of computer use increases, the severity

(frequency x intensity) of symptoms increase as well signifying that these two variables

are directly proportional. Fourteen out of the 16 symptoms of CVS listed were

statistically significant except the symptoms of feeling of foreign body on the eyes (p-

value = 0.363) as well as the heavy eyelids (p-value = 0.134). Sitting for hours in front

of a computer screen stresses the eyes because the computer forces the vision system

to focus and strain a lot more than any other task which put computer users for

developing symptoms of CVS.

 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 29

CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The study concludes that there is a significant association between the duration

of computer use and the development of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) among

college students which is assessed by utilizing the validated CVS questionnaire.

Respondents with > 3 hours of computer use are more likely to develop ocular and

extraocular symptoms that define the CVS than those with ≤ 3 hours of computer use.

The most common eye symptoms experienced by the respondents out of the 16

symptoms listed were burning, itching, tearing, eye redness, dryness, difficulty focusing

on near objects, increased sensitivity to light and the feeling that eyesight is worsening.

As the duration of computer use increases, the frequency and intensity of symptoms

increase as well; this indicates that duration of computer use is directly proportional to

the severity of the CVS which is the product of frequency and intensity of symptoms.

Both the frequency and intensity of the symptoms were taken into account because of

the difficulty encountered in establishing which is more important: whether suffering a

particular symptom occasionally but very intensely, or frequently but more moderate in

intensity.

Further studies are recommended that would subject the prevalence of

computer vision syndrome (CVS) among industries that predominantly use computers

such as those working in the corporate realm particularly call center agents and among
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 30

population of online gamers. In addition, special attention should be given to young

population including children and students in schools, colleges and universities who

usually take time on computers.

In conducting the study, researchers could also take into account poor lighting,

glare, improper work-station set-up, viewing distance i.e. eye to reference material,

uncorrected refractive errors and other conditions that can aggravate the symptoms of

CVS. Prevention is the most important strategy in managing CVS. Given that use of

computers had become universal and there is also a prevalence of the symptoms

occurring among the computer users, adequate education about CVS and its

prevention among the people at risk, is highly recommended with the help of health

practitioners (physicians, optometrists) through spending time to discuss with the

patients about CVS. Not only the education of patient matters, but modification in the

ergonomics of the working environment and proper eye care are crucial in managing

CVS as well.

The main limitation of the study is that it utilized purposive sampling involving

students of a single faculty within the university. The study did not include an

ophthalmologic examination and the symptoms reported were self-reported.

 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 31

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Ocular Complaints in Computer Users. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013;7(2):331-5.

Bhanderi DJ, Choudhary S, Doshi VG. A community-based study of asthenopia

in computer operators. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2008;56(1):51-5.

Brewer S, Van Eerd D, Amick III BC, Irvin E, Daum KM, Gerr F, et al. Workplace

interventions to prevent musculoskeletal and visualsymptoms and disorders among

computer users: A systematic review. J Occup Rehabil. 2006;16(3):325-58.

Courtin R, Pereira B, Naughton G, et al. Prevalence of dry eye disease in visual

display terminal workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2016;6(1)

Gangamma M, Rajagopala M. A clinical study on” computer vision syndrome”

and its management with Triphala eye drops and Saptamrita

Lauha. AYU.2010;31(2):236. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.72407.

Hayes JR, Sheedy JE, Stelmack JA, Heaney CA. Computer use, symptoms,

and quality of life. Optom Vis Sci. 2007;84(8):738–744.

Izquierdo JC, Garcia M, Buxo C, Izquierdo NJ. Factors leading to the computer

vision syndrome: an issue at the contemporary workplace. Bol Assoc Med P

R.2004;96(2):103–110.

Klamm J, Tarnow KG. Computer vision syndrome: a review of

literature. Medsurg Nurs. 2015;24(2):89–93

 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 32

Logaraj M, Madhupriya V, Hegde S. Computer vision syndrome and associated

factors among medical and engineering students in chennai. Ann Med Health Sci

Res.2014;4(2):179–18

Loh K, Redd S. Understanding and Preventing Computer Vision

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Physicians of Malaysia. 2008;3(3):128-130.

Mocci F, Serra A, Corrias GA. Psychological factors and visual fatigue in working

with video display terminals. Occup Environ Med. 2001;58(4):267–271.

Nakamura S, Kinoshita S, Yokoi N, et al. Lacrimal Hypofunction as a New

Mechanism of Dry Eye in Visual Display Terminal Users. Chakravarti S, ed.PLoS ONE.

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related visual symptoms in office workers. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2012;32(5):375–

382.

Ranasinghe P, Wathurapatha WS, Perera YS, et al. Computer vision syndrome

among computer office workers in a developing country: an evaluation of prevalence

and risk factors. BMC Research Notes. 2016;9:150. doi:10.1186/s13104-016-1962-1.

Rosenfield M. Computer visión syndrome: a review of ocular causes and

potential treatments. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2011;31(5):502

Segui MdelM, Cabrero-Garcia J, Crespo A et al. A reliable and valid

questionnaire was developed to measure computer vision syndrome at the workplace.

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 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 33

Shankar G, Nestha F, Narayan D. Visual problems among video display terminal

(VDT) users in Nepal. J Optom. 2011;4(2):56-62.

Shantakumari, N., Eldeeb, R., Sreedharan, J., & Gopal, K. (2014). Computer

Use and Vision-Related Problems Among University Students In Ajman, United Arab

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Sheedy, J. (2003). Computer Vision Syndrome.Diagnosing and Treating

Computer-Related Vision Problems,1-5. doi:10.1016/b978-0-7506-7404-1.50004-6

Shrestha GS, Mohamed FN, Shah DN. Visual problems among video display

terminal (VDT) users in Nepal. Journal of Optometry. 2011;4(2):56-62.

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Ustinaviciene R, Januskevicius V. Association between occupational

asthenopia and psycho-physiological indicators of visual strain in workers using video

display terminals. Med Sci Monit. 2006;12(7):CR296-301.

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ed. PLoS ONE. 2014;9(8)

 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 34

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A - Informed Consent Form

University of Santo Tomas

Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
España, Manila, Philippines

Dear Sir/Mam,

You are invited to participate in a research study entitled “Computer Vision Syndrome
and its association with prolonged computer use among college students: A cross sectional
study” School work involves a lot of activities that involve a lot of diverse postures and vision
in front of the computer. With this, we’ve come up with a study on Computer Vision Syndrome
among call center agents in your company. This study is being conducted to assess the
prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome among you and other college students.

If you agree to be in this study, a questionnaire will be given to you. The questionnaire
consists of 16 questions which will take about 5 minutes to complete. You are requested to
respond to each question to the best of your knowledge.

The study will help improve the awareness of computer vision syndrome and its
preventive measures and the potential reduction in the loss of productivity and vision problems
associated with computer use. It will also help the companies along with health educators
identify areas to concentrate their efforts.

The researcher does not anticipate any risks to you participating in this study other than
those encountered in day-to-day life. This may just be mere inconvenience.

The records of this study will be kept private. In any sort of report made public,
information that will make it possible to identify you, will not be included. The research records
will be kept in a locked file, only the researchers will have access to the records.

Taking part in this study is completely voluntary. You may also skip any questions that
you do not want to answer and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, without
giving any reason. If you decide to join this study, you will be asked to sign a consent form. You
will be given a copy of this form to keep for your records.
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 35

The researcher conducting this study is a group of medical students in Clinical

Epidemiology (UST-FMS). You are free to ask any questions now. If you have questions later,
you may contact:

Alyssa Marie Labajo: 09175025401

Jo Rocel Lacson: 09777817191
Limonick Lacson: 09177006894
Tristan Duane Lacson: 09178307276
Debbie Ann Lancero: 09328870916

Statement of consent
I have read the above information, and have received answers to any question I asked.
I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am free to withdraw at any time without
giving any reason. I also understand that a copy of this form will be provided. I consent to take
part in the study.

Participant’s signature:________________________ Date______________________

Participant’s name: ___________________________

 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 36

APPENDIX B

COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME- QUESTIONNAIRE

NAME:_________________________
AGE: _______
SEX: M / F
DEPARTMENT: _________________
Average No. of hours spent using computer:________
(also include use of iPad, tablet, laptop)

To be completed by the participant/ student:

Indicate whether you experience any of the following symptoms during the time you use the computer
at work. For each symptom, mark with an X:

a. First, the frequency, that is, how often the symptom occurs, considering that:

NEVER = the symptom does not occur at all

OCCASIONALLY = sporadic episodes or once a week

OFTEN OR ALWAYS = 2 or 3 times a week or almost every day

b. Second, the intensity of the symptom:

Remember: if you indicated NEVER for frequency, you should not mark anything for intensity.
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 37

To be completed by the investigator:

Calculation of the total score

Apply the following equation:
Considering that:

16
Score = å (frequency of symptom occurrence)
i=1
i x (intensity of symptom) i

• FREQUENCY:
Ø Never= 0
Ø Occasionally= 1
Ø Often/ Always= 2
• INTENSITY
Ø Moderate= 1
Ø Intense=

a. Frequency b. Intensity Frequency x

Intensity

1. Burning
2. Itching
3. Feeling of a foreign body
4. Tearing
5. Excessive blinking
6 Eye redness
7 Eye pain
8 Heavy eyelids
9 Dryness
10 Blurred vision
11 Double vision
12 Difficulty focusing for near
vision
13 Increased sensitivity to light
14 Coloured halos around objects

15 Feeling that sight is worsening

16 Headache
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 38

APPENDIX C

SAMPLE SIZE COMPUTATION

z tests - Logistic regression

Options: Large sample z-Test, Demidenko (2007) with var corr

Analysis: Compromise: Compute implied α & power

Input: Tail(s) = Two

Odds ratio = 9.7357
Pr(Y=1|X=1) H0 = 0.05
β/α ratio = 4
Total sample size = 154
R² other X = 0.5
X distribution = Binomial
X parm π = 0.5
Output: Critical z = 2.0480246
α err prob = 0.0405576
β err prob = 0.1622304
Power (1-β err prob) = 0.8377696

For sample size computation, the researcher used G*Power Software. The Effect size

used for sample size computation was based on the reference study: “A Study Of

Computer-Related Upper Limb Discomfort and Computer Vision Syndrome” by Sen, A.

and Richardson, S. The odds ratio of 9.7357 was based on the association of duration

of PC usage and spells of continuous pc works. The error used was 0.05 at 95%

confidence interval. The 154 respondents of the study correspond to 83.78% actual

power (power of analysis).

 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 39

APPENDIX D

REFERENCE TABLE

Intensity Freq Perc

None Moderate Intense
F % F % F %
Burning Never 100 100.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 100 64.9%
Occasionally 0 0.0% 49 96.1% 2 3.9% 51 33.1%
Often/Always 0 0.0% 3 100.0% 0 0.0% 3 1.9%
Total 100 64.9% 52 33.8% 2 1.3% 154 100.0%
Itching Never 62 98.4% 0 0.0% 1 1.6% 63 40.9%
Occasionally 0 0.0% 75 93.8% 5 6.3% 80 51.9%
Often/Always 0 0.0% 9 81.8% 2 18.2% 11 7.1%
Total 62 40.3% 84 54.5% 8 5.2% 154 100.0%
Feeling of Never 64 100.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 64 41.6%
foreign Occasionally 0 0.0% 77 100.0% 0 0.0% 77 50.0%
body on Often/Always 0 0.0% 13 100.0% 0 0.0% 13 8.4%
the eyes
Total 64 41.6% 90 58.4% 0 0.0% 154 100.0%
Excessive Never 78 100.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 78 50.6%
blinking Occasionally 0 0.0% 59 92.2% 5 7.8% 64 41.6%
Often/Always 0 0.0% 11 91.7% 1 8.3% 12 7.8%
Total 78 50.6% 70 45.5% 6 3.9% 154 100.0%
Eye Never 70 100.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 70 45.5%
redness Occasionally 0 0.0% 67 95.7% 3 4.3% 70 45.5%
Often/Always 0 0.0% 12 85.7% 2 14.3% 14 9.1%
Total 70 45.5% 79 51.3% 5 3.2% 154 100.0%
Eye pain Never 88 100.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 88 57.1%
Occasionally 0 0.0% 49 92.5% 4 7.5% 53 34.4%
Often/Always 0 0.0% 11 84.6% 2 15.4% 13 8.4%
Total 88 57.1% 60 39.0% 6 3.9% 154 100.0%
Heavy Never 96 100.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 96 62.3%
eyelids Occasionally 0 0.0% 44 95.7% 2 4.3% 46 29.9%
Often/Always 0 0.0% 10 83.3% 2 16.7% 12 7.8%
Total 96 62.3% 54 35.1% 4 2.6% 154 100.0%
Dryness Never 60 100.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 60 39.0%
Occasionally 0 0.0% 70 93.3% 5 6.7% 75 48.7%
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 40

Often/Always 0 0.0% 18 94.7% 1 5.3% 19 12.3%

Total 60 39.0% 88 57.1% 6 3.9% 154 100.0%
Blurred Never 75 100.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 75 48.7%
vision Occasionally 0 0.0% 59 93.7% 4 6.3% 63 40.9%
Often/Always 0 0.0% 15 93.8% 1 6.3% 16 10.4%
Total 75 48.7% 74 48.1% 5 3.2% 154 100.0%
Double Never 117 100.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 117 76.0%
vision Occasionally 0 0.0% 30 100.0% 0 0.0% 30 19.5%
Often/Always 0 0.0% 7 100.0% 0 0.0% 7 4.5%
Total 117 76.0% 37 24.0% 0 0.0% 154 100.0%
Difficulty Never 99 100.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 99 64.3%
focusing Occasionally 0 0.0% 44 100.0% 0 0.0% 44 28.6%
on near Often/Always 0 0.0% 10 90.9% 1 9.1% 11 7.1%
objects
Total 99 64.3% 54 35.1% 1 0.6% 154 100.0%
Increased Never 77 100.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 77 50.0%
sensitivity Occasionally 0 0.0% 60 92.3% 5 7.7% 65 42.2%
to light Often/Always 0 0.0% 10 83.3% 2 16.7% 12 7.8%
Total 77 50.0% 70 45.5% 7 4.5% 154 100.0%
Coloured Never 116 100.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 116 75.3%
halos Occasionally 0 0.0% 31 96.9% 1 3.1% 32 20.8%
around Often/Always 0 0.0% 5 83.3% 1 16.7% 6 3.9%
objects
Total 116 75.3% 36 23.4% 2 1.3% 154 100.0%
Feeling Never 62 100.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 62 40.3%
that Occasionally 0 0.0% 70 97.2% 2 2.8% 72 46.8%
eyesight Often/Always 0 0.0% 17 85.0% 3 15.0% 20 13.0%
is
worsening
Total 62 40.3% 87 56.5% 5 3.2% 154 100.0%
Headache Never 24 100.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 24 15.6%
Occasionally 0 0.0% 98 88.3% 13 11.7% 111 72.1%
Often/Always 0 0.0% 10 52.6% 9 47.4% 19 12.3%
Total 24 15.6% 108 70.1% 22 14.3% 154 100.0%
Tearing Never 59 100.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 59 38.3%
Occasionally 0 0.0% 84 96.6% 3 3.4% 87 56.5%
Often/Always 0 0.0% 6 75.0% 2 25.0% 8 5.2%
Total 59 38.3% 90 58.4% 5 3.2% 154 100.0%
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 41

CURRICULUM VITAE

NAME: LABAJO, ALYSSA MARIE F.

DATE OF BIRTH: 03/24/1992

CITY ADDRESS: 1661 Piy Margal St. cor. Maria

Christina, Sampaloc Manila

CONTACT NO: 09175025401

E-MAIL ADDRESS: lysalabajo@gmail.com

PARENTS: Ramon M. Labajo

Wennie F. Labajo

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

TERTIARY: University of Santo Tomas

BS Medical Technology

España, Manila

2009-2013

SECONDARY: University of Santo Tomas High School

España, Manila

2005-2009

PRIMARY: Sta. Catalina College

Legarda, Manila

1999-2005
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 42

NAME: LACSON, JO ROCEL Z.

DATE OF BIRTH: 02/13/1994

CITY ADDRESS: 858 Unit 214 Valencia St.,

Espana, Manila

CONTACT NO: 09777817191

E-MAIL ADDRESS: rocellacson@gmail.com

PARENTS: Celedonio B. Lacson

Rosanna Z. Lacson

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

TERTIARY: University of Santo Tomas

BS Pharmacy

Sampaloc, Manila

2010-2014

SECONDARY: Camarines Norte State College Laboratory High School

Daet, Camarines Norte

2006 - 2010

PRIMARY: Labo Elementary School

Labo, Camarines Norte

2000-2006
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 43

NAME: LACSON, LIMONICK N.

DATE OF BIRTH: 06/08/1994

CITY ADDRESS: Unit 305 Allim building, Banawe

corner samat, Quezon City

CONTACT NO: 09177006894

E-MAIL ADDRESS: lacsonlimonick@gmail.com

PARENTS: Larry Lacson

Cherryl Lacson

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

TERTIARY: University of Santo Tomas

BS Medical Technology

Sampaloc, Manila

2010-2014

SECONDARY: University of Santo Tomas High School

Sampaloc, Manila

2006 - 2010

PRIMARY: Jesus Good Shepherd School

Cavite

2000-2006
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 44

NAME: LACSON, TRISTAN DUANE G.

DATE OF BIRTH: February 1, 1993

CITY ADDRESS: 2101 Pacific Icon Asturias St.

Dapitan Cor., Sampaloc Manila

CONTACT NO: 09178307276

E-MAIL ADDRESS: tanduane211@gmail.com

PARENTS: Ernesto Q. Lacson

Daisy G. Lacson

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

TERTIARY: University of Santo Tomas

BS Pharmacy

Sampaloc, Manila

2010-2014

SECONDARY: Holy Family Academy

Angeles City, Pampanga

2006 - 2010

PRIMARY: Montessori School of St. Nicholas

Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga

2000-2006
 UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 45

NAME: LANCERO, DEBBIE ANN P.

DATE OF BIRTH: 09/16/1993

CITY ADDRESS: P-49- 15- 13 st., Airmen’s

th

Village, VAB, Pasay City

CONTACT NO: 09328870916

E-MAIL ADDRESS: lancerodebbieann@gmail.com

PARENTS: Magdalena P. Lancero

Danilo C. Lancero

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

TERTIARY: University of Santo Tomas

BS Medical Technology

Sampaloc, Manila

2010-2014

SECONDARY: University of Santo Tomas High School

Sampaloc, Manila

2006 - 2010

PRIMARY: St. Therese of the Child Jesus School

VAB, Pasay City

2000-2006