Abstract: Objective To investigate the prevalence of visual fatigue among occupational populations and analyze its associated risk factors, thereby providing evidence for targeted prevention and treatment strategies. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to June 2024 using convenience sampling to recruit occupational individuals undergoing vision examinations at two hospitals in Beijing. The prevalence of visual fatigue across different demographic groups was evaluated, and multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify significant risk factors. Results The prevalence of visual fatigue among the occupational population was 61.84% (329/532). Multivariate analysis revealed that age ≥30 years (30-<40 years: OR=1.397; 40-<50 years: OR=1.449; 50-60 years: OR=1.474), occupations such as IT professionals (OR=2.408) and drivers (OR=2.179), moderate (OR=1.511) and high-intensity (OR=1.622) visual workload, duration of myopia (<1 year: OR=1.118; 1-<3 years: OR=1.136; ≥3 years: OR=1.178), prolonged electronic device use (5-10 h: OR=1.710; >10 h: OR=1.946), screen use in dim lighting (OR=1.902), limited outdoor activity (2-3 h: OR=1.493; <2 h: OR=1.571), and insufficient sleep (<8 h: OR=1.264) were significant risk factors for visual fatigue (all P<0.05). Conclusions The prevalence of visual fatigue is notably high among occupational groups. Age, occupation type, visual workload, prolonged myopia, poor visual habits, and lifestyle factors such as limited outdoor activity and inadequate sleep contribute to the development of visual fatigue. Targeted interventions should address these modifiable risk factors to mitigate visual fatigue in occupational settings.

Key words: Occupational population, Visual fatigue, Risk factors, Visual behavior, Lifestyle