The invention of computer and advancement in information technology has revolutionized and benefited the society but at the same time has caused symptoms related to its usage such as ocular sprain, irritation, redness, dryness, blurred vision and double vision. This cluster of symptoms is known as computer vision syndrome which is characterized by the visual symptoms which result from interaction with computer display or its environment. Three major mechanisms that lead to computer vision syndrome are extraocular mechanism, accommodative mechanism and ocular surface mechanism. The visual effects of the computer such as brightness, resolution, glare and quality all are known factors that contribute to computer vision syndrome. Prevention is the most important strategy in managing computer vision syndrome. Modification in the ergonomics of the working environment, patient education and proper eye care are crucial in managing computer vision syndrome.

One thousand one hundred and sixty-nine (1169) patients were examined in the Eye Clinic of University of Malaya Medical Centre over a period of three weeks to determine the prevalence of eye diseases and visual impairment. Age, gender, race, visual acuity and diagnosis of patients were noted from the case records. Cataract (385, 32.9%) was the most common eye disease seen in our study followed by glaucoma (274, 23.4%). Refractive errors were seen in 126 (10.8%) while diabetic retinopathy was noted in 113 (9.7%) patients. One hundred and fifteen (9.6%) patients had visual impairment and 11 (0.9%) had blindness in our study according to WHO classification of visual impairment. Refractive errors are the most common causes of visual impairment in children, while cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy account for visual impairment in elderly people. All these eye diseases are treatable and the severe eye conditions may be potentially preventable with early diagnosis.