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Redondo B, Vera J, Molina R, Molina-Molina A, Jiménez R. Orbicularis oculi muscle activity during computer reading under different degrees of artificially-induced aniseikonia. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17293. [PMID: 38770099 PMCID: PMC11104340 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Aniseikonia is a binocular vision disorder that has been associated with asthenopic symptoms. However, asthenopia has been evaluated with subjective tests that make difficult to determine the level of aniseikonia. This study aims to objectively evaluate the impact of induced aniseikonia at different levels on visual fatigue by measuring the orbicularis oculi muscle activity in the dominant and non-dominant eyes while performing a reading task. Methods Twenty-four collegiate students (24.00 ± 3.86 years) participated in this study. Participants read a passage for 7 minutes under four degrees of aniseikonia (0%, 3%, 5% and 10%) at 50 cm. Orbicularis oculi muscle activity of the dominant and non-dominant eye was recorded by surface electromyography. In addition, visual discomfort was assessed after each task by completing a questionnaire. Results Orbicularis oculi muscle activity increased under induced aniseikonia (i.e., greater values for the 10% condition in comparison to 0%, and 3% conditions (p = 0.034 and p = 0.023, respectively)). No statistically significant differences were observed in orbicularis oculi muscle activity for the time on task and between the dominant and non-dominant eyes. Additionally, higher levels of subjective visual discomfort were observed for lower degrees of induced aniseikonia. Conclusion Induced aniseikonia increases visual fatigue at high aniseikonia degrees as measured by the orbicularis oculi muscle activity, and at low degrees as measured with subjective questionnaires. These findings may be of relevance to better understand the visual symptomatology of aniseikonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Redondo
- Optics, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Granada, Spain
- New England College of Optometry, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Jesus Vera
- Optics, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Granada, Spain
- New England College of Optometry, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Rubén Molina
- Optics, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Alejandro Molina-Molina
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Jorge, Zaragoza, Spain
- Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Wolffsohn JS, Lingham G, Downie LE, Huntjens B, Inomata T, Jivraj S, Kobia-Acquah E, Muntz A, Mohamed-Noriega K, Plainis S, Read M, Sayegh RR, Singh S, Utheim TP, Craig JP. TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of the digital environment on the ocular surface. Ocul Surf 2023; 28:213-252. [PMID: 37062428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Eye strain when performing tasks reliant on a digital environment can cause discomfort, affecting productivity and quality of life. Digital eye strain (the preferred terminology) was defined as "the development or exacerbation of recurrent ocular symptoms and/or signs related specifically to digital device screen viewing". Digital eye strain prevalence of up to 97% has been reported, due to no previously agreed definition/diagnostic criteria and limitations of current questionnaires which fail to differentiate such symptoms from those arising from non-digital tasks. Objective signs such as blink rate or critical flicker frequency changes are not 'diagnostic' of digital eye strain nor validated as sensitive. The mechanisms attributed to ocular surface disease exacerbation are mainly reduced blink rate and completeness, partial/uncorrected refractive error and/or underlying binocular vision anomalies, together with the cognitive demand of the task and differences in position, size, brightness and glare compared to an equivalent non-digital task. In general, interventions are not well established; patients experiencing digital eye strain should be provided with a full refractive correction for the appropriate working distances. Improving blinking, optimizing the work environment and encouraging regular breaks may help. Based on current, best evidence, blue-light blocking interventions do not appear to be an effective management strategy. More and larger clinical trials are needed to assess artificial tear effectiveness for relieving digital eye strain, particularly comparing different constituents; a systematic review within the report identified use of secretagogues and warm compress/humidity goggles/ambient humidifiers as promising strategies, along with nutritional supplementation (such as omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and berry extracts).
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Wolffsohn
- College of Health & Life Sciences, School of Optometry, Aston University, Birmingham, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Gareth Lingham
- Centre for Eye Research Ireland, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura E Downie
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Byki Huntjens
- Division of Optometry and Visual Sciences, City, University of London, EC1V 0HB, UK
| | - Takenori Inomata
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saleel Jivraj
- College of Health & Life Sciences, School of Optometry, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Alex Muntz
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karim Mohamed-Noriega
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL). Monterrey, 64460, Mexico
| | - Sotiris Plainis
- College of Health & Life Sciences, School of Optometry, Aston University, Birmingham, UK; Laboratory of Optics and Vision, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece
| | - Michael Read
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rony R Sayegh
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sumeer Singh
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tor P Utheim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jennifer P Craig
- College of Health & Life Sciences, School of Optometry, Aston University, Birmingham, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Uwimana A, Ma C, Ma X. Concurrent Rising of Dry Eye and Eye Strain Symptoms Among University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic Era: A Cross-Sectional Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2022; 15:2311-2322. [PMID: 36518997 PMCID: PMC9743979 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s388331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Students spend extended hours using electronic devices due to online teaching. Digital eye strain (DES) and dry eye disease (DED) symptoms are both associated with prolonged screen exposure time and may co-occur. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between DES and DED symptoms and determine the prevalence of DED according to the severity of DES. PATIENTS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted among international students in Chinese universities. The survey was built using Wenjuan Mini Program and distributed using the WeChat platform. The questionnaire assessed participants' screen exposure, the 20-20-20 rule, ED practices, and DED awareness. Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) and Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5) were used to diagnose DES and DED symptoms, respectively. RESULTS 498 students completed the survey, but 452 were considered for the study. Predictors of DES and DED symptoms were conjunctivitis, eye allergy, glares, tired eye, neck pain, back pain, PhD students, and daily spending > 9h on screen (P < 0.05 for all). We observed that an increase in DES scores also exponentially increases DED scores. Among students diagnosed with DES symptoms, 26.5% had mild to moderate DED symptoms, and 8.2% had severe DED symptoms. In contrast, only 8.4% and 0.9% of those with asymptomatic DES had mild to moderate and severe DED symptoms, respectively (P < 0.000). A strong and significant positive correlation (r = 0.695, P < 0.000) between DES and DED scores was found. CONCLUSION We found an extremely high prevalence of DES and DED symptoms compared to the previous studies with a similar population group. We believe that the prevalence of DED may be underestimated in the young population. Training about proper ED practices is mandatory to prevent these deleterious ocular surface conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Uwimana
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cong Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
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Kamøy B, Magno M, Nøland ST, Moe MC, Petrovski G, Vehof J, Utheim TP. Video display terminal use and dry eye: preventive measures and future perspectives. Acta Ophthalmol 2022; 100:723-739. [PMID: 35122403 PMCID: PMC9790652 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dry eye disease (DED) is a common cause of ocular pain and discomfort. Dry eye disease (DED) stems from a loss-of-tear film homeostasis and is frequently seen in video display terminal (VDT) users. Video display terminal (VDT) use reduces blink rates and increases incomplete blinks, leading to tear film instability and ocular inflammation, promoting DED. PURPOSE To assess and evaluate the methods for preventing VDT-associated DED and ocular discomfort. METHODS Studies were found using PubMed and Embase with the search terms: (digital visual terminal* OR computer use OR screen use OR smartphone OR display OR visual display terminal* OR computer vision syndrome OR tablet OR phone OR screen time) AND (dry eye OR DED). RESULTS Thirty-one relevant articles were found. Ten described single-visit studies, whereas 21 had a prolonged follow-up. Most preventive measures of VDT-associated DED aimed to increase blink rate or directly prevent tear film instability, ocular inflammation, mucin loss or ocular surface damage. Using an adjustable chair and ergonomic training, blink animations and omega-3 supplementation improved signs and symptoms of VDT-associated DED. Taking frequent breaks was associated with fewer symptoms, but no study assessed the commonly suggested 20-20-20 rule. CONCLUSION Preventive measures, such as blink animation programmes, oral intake of omega-3 fatty acids and improved ergonomics act on different parts of the vicious cycle of dry eye and could supplement each other. A comparison of the efficacy of the different interventions as well as more evidence of the effect of increased humidity, VDT filters and ergonomic practices, are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørnar Kamøy
- Institute of Clinical MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Morten Magno
- Institute of Clinical MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway,Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryOslo University HospitalOsloNorway,Department of Medical BiochemistryOslo University HospitalOsloNorway,Department of OphthalmologyUniversity of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Sara T Nøland
- Institute of Clinical MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Morten C Moe
- Institute of Clinical MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway,Department of OphthalmologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Goran Petrovski
- Institute of Clinical MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway,Department of OphthalmologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Jelle Vehof
- Department of OphthalmologyUniversity of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands,Department of OphthalmologyVestfold Hospital TrustTønsbergNorway,Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Tor P. Utheim
- Department of Medical BiochemistryOslo University HospitalOsloNorway,Department of OphthalmologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway,Department of OphthalmologySørlandet Hospital ArendalArendalNorway,Department of OphthalmologyStavanger University HospitalStavangerNorway,Department of Computer ScienceOslo Metropolitan UniversityOsloNorway,Department of Clinical MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway,Department of Quality and Health TechnologyThe Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of StavangerStavangerNorway,Department of OphthalmologyVestre Viken Hospital TrustDrammenNorway,Department of Oral BiologyFaculty of DentistryUniversity of OsloOsloNorway,National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye CareDepartment of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting DesignFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of South‐Eastern NorwayKongsbergNorway,Department of Health and Nursing ScienceThe Faculty of Health and Sport SciencesUniversity of AgderGrimstadNorway,The Norwegian Dry Eye ClinicOsloNorway
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Thorud HMS, Mork R, Bjørset CO, Gilson SJ, Hagen LA, Langaas T, Pedersen HR, Svarverud E, Vikesdal GH, Baraas RC. Laboured reading and musculoskeletal pain in school children - the role of lifestyle behaviour and eye wear: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:416. [PMID: 35831809 PMCID: PMC9278319 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03465-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lifestyle behaviour in children and adolescents has become increasingly sedentary and occupied with digital work. Concurrently, there has been an increase in the prevalence of headache, neck- and low back pain, which are leading causes of disability globally. Extensive near work and use of digital devices are demanding for both the visual system and the upper body head-stabilizing musculature. Uncorrected vision problems are present in up to 40% of Nordic school children, and a lack of corrective eye wear may cause eyestrain, musculoskeletal pain and headache. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between laboured reading, musculoskeletal pain, uncorrected vision, and lifestyle behaviours in children and adolescents. Methods This was a cross-sectional study with a total of 192 Norwegian school children aged 10–11 and 15–16 years. As a part of a school vision testing program, the children completed an online questionnaire about general and ocular health, socioeconomic status, academic ambition, near work and related symptoms, upper body musculoskeletal pain, and physical and outdoor activities. Results The 15–16-year-olds had a more indoor, sedentary, digital-based lifestyle with higher academic demands, compared with the 10–11-year-olds. Concurrently, reading became more laboured and upper body musculoskeletal pain increased with age. Girls reported more symptoms, higher academic ambitions, and more time spent on schoolwork and reading, compared with boys. Non-compliance in wearing prescribed eye wear (glasses or contact lenses), increased use of near digital devices, and experiencing visual stress (glare) were positively associated with laboured reading and upper body musculoskeletal pain. Conclusions A screen-based lifestyle with high academic demands challenges the ability to sustain long hours of static, intensive near work. Extensive near work tires the visual system and upper body musculature and provokes laboured reading and musculoskeletal pain symptoms. This study emphasizes the importance of regular eye examinations in school children, and the need to raise awareness among children, parents, and school- and health personnel about the importance of optimal vision and visual environment for academic performance and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne-Mari Schiøtz Thorud
- National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye Care, Department of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway.
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Merbah J, Gorce P, Jacquier-Bret J. Effects of environmental illumination and screen brightness settings on upper limb and axial skeleton parameters: how do users adapt postures? ERGONOMICS 2020; 63:1561-1570. [PMID: 32779968 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2020.1808248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
79% of smartphone users carry their phone 22 hours a day. In this context, the main task worldwide, texting, is performed under a wide range of light and position conditions. The aim of this study was to test the effects of environmental illumination and screen brightness settings on upper limb and axial skeleton parameters. Twelve subjects performed three trials of texting under three experimental positions, two screen luminance settings and three environmental light conditions. 3 D axial skeleton and upper limb angles, smartphone orientation and face-to-smartphone distance were used as dependent variables. High environmental illumination and/or low screen brightness resulted in an increase in interaction time and a reduction in the face-to-smartphone distance by approximately 10%. Subjects attempted to compensate for the unfavourable effects of such light conditions by adopting postures rated 5 in the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, indicating an increased risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Practitioner's summary: The purpose of the study was to quantify the joint angles of the upper body in experimental conditions that represent daily life. Postures were influenced by ambient illumination and display brightness. The most harmful postures were observed when the display brightness was minimum, and the ambient light was similar to a sunny day. Abbreviations: ST: seated with table; SWT: seated without any support; STA: standing; 0L: in the dark, no light; AL: ambient light; SL: strong light; BrightMin: minimum display brightness; BrightMax: maximum display brightness (BrightMax); ISB: International Society of Biomechanics; RULA: rapid upper limb assessment; MSDs: musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philippe Gorce
- HandiBio, University of Toulon, Toulon, France
- AUCTUS, INRIA, University of Bordeaux Sud-Ouest, Talence, France
| | - Julien Jacquier-Bret
- HandiBio, University of Toulon, Toulon, France
- AUCTUS, INRIA, University of Bordeaux Sud-Ouest, Talence, France
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Mork R, Falkenberg HK, Fostervold KI, Thorud HMS. Discomfort glare and psychological stress during computer work: subjective responses and associations between neck pain and trapezius muscle blood flow. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2019; 93:29-42. [PMID: 31286223 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-019-01457-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Exposure to additional environmental stress during computer work, such as visual and psychological demands, is associated with increased eye and neck discomfort, altered moods, and reduced well-being. The aim of this study is to elucidate further how subjective responses in healthy, young females with normal binocular vision are affected by glare and psychological stress during computer work, and to investigate possible associations between trapezius muscle blood flow and neck pain development. METHODS 43 females participated in a laboratory experiment with a within-subject design. Four 10-min computer work conditions with exposure to different stressors were performed at an ergonomically optimal workstation, under the following series of conditions: no additional stress, visual stress (induced as direct glare from a large glare source), psychological stress, and combined visual and psychological stress. Before and immediately after each computer work condition, questionnaires regarding different visual and eye symptoms, neck and shoulder symptoms, positive and negative state moods, perceived task difficulty, and perceived ambient lighting were completed. Associations between neck pain and trapezius muscle blood flow were also investigated. RESULTS Exposure to direct glare induced greater development of visual/eye symptoms and discomfort, while psychological stress exposure made participants feel more negative and stressed. The perception of work lighting during glare exposure was closely related to perceived stress, and associations between visual discomfort and eyestrain, and neck pain were observed in all conditions. Furthermore, participants with high trapezius muscle blood flow overall reported more neck pain, independent of exposure. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to visual and psychological stresses during computer work affects the development of symptoms and negative moods in healthy, young females with normal binocular vision, but in different ways. The results also demonstrate the complex interactions involved in symptom development and lighting appraisal during computer work. When optimizing computer workstations, the complexity of the field must be taken into account, and several factors, including visual conditions, must be considered carefully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randi Mork
- Department of Public Health Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway.,Department of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design, National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye Care, University of South-Eastern Norway, P.O. Box 235, Kongsberg, 3603, Norway
| | - Helle K Falkenberg
- Department of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design, National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye Care, University of South-Eastern Norway, P.O. Box 235, Kongsberg, 3603, Norway
| | | | - Hanne-Mari Schiøtz Thorud
- Department of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design, National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye Care, University of South-Eastern Norway, P.O. Box 235, Kongsberg, 3603, Norway.
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The Effects of Lighting Problems on Eye Symptoms among Cleanroom Microscope Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16010101. [PMID: 30609648 PMCID: PMC6339188 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16010101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The visual health of microscope workers is an important occupational health concern, and a previous study suggested an association between lighting problems (e.g., flashing light, insufficient lighting) and eye symptoms among cleanroom workers in the electronics industry. This study aimed to explore the association between eye symptoms and lighting problems, as well as light-related counteracting behaviors among microscope workers in the cleanroom environment. Ninety-one cleanroom workers aged 20 years or older were recruited from an electronics factory. The socio-demographic factors, work-related factors, eye symptoms, and lighting problems were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. There were 92.3% female participants in this study. Among all participants, 41.8% and 63.7% had symptoms of dry eye and eye fatigue, respectively. The counteracting behaviors of needing to move closer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.47, 95% CI = 1.11 to 10.88) was significantly associated with dry eye symptoms. Workers who were more experienced at the job (aOR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.06) and had shorter break times (aOR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.91 to 0.98) were more likely to have eye fatigue. As a result of these findings, this study suggests that good lighting and adequate break times are crucial to improve the visual health of cleanroom microscope workers.
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Mork R, Falkenberg HK, Fostervold KI, Thorud HMS. Visual and psychological stress during computer work in healthy, young females-physiological responses. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2018; 91:811-830. [PMID: 29850947 PMCID: PMC6132651 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-018-1324-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Among computer workers, visual complaints, and neck pain are highly prevalent. This study explores how occupational simulated stressors during computer work, like glare and psychosocial stress, affect physiological responses in young females with normal vision. Methods The study was a within-subject laboratory experiment with a counterbalanced, repeated design. Forty-three females performed four 10-min computer-work sessions with different stress exposures: (1) minimal stress; (2) visual stress (direct glare); (3) psychological stress; and (4) combined visual and psychological stress. Muscle activity and muscle blood flow in trapezius, muscle blood flow in orbicularis oculi, heart rate, blood pressure, blink rate and postural angles were continuously recorded. Immediately after each computer-work session, fixation disparity was measured and a questionnaire regarding perceived workstation lighting and stress was completed. Results Exposure to direct glare resulted in increased trapezius muscle blood flow, increased blink rate, and forward bending of the head. Psychological stress induced a transient increase in trapezius muscle activity and a more forward-bent posture. Bending forward towards the computer screen was correlated with higher productivity (reading speed), indicating a concentration or stress response. Forward bent posture was also associated with changes in fixation disparity. Furthermore, during computer work per se, trapezius muscle activity and blood flow, orbicularis oculi muscle blood flow, and heart rate were increased compared to rest. Conclusions Exposure to glare and psychological stress during computer work were shown to influence the trapezius muscle, posture, and blink rate in young, healthy females with normal binocular vision, but in different ways. Accordingly, both visual and psychological factors must be taken into account when optimizing computer workstations to reduce physiological responses that may cause excessive eyestrain and musculoskeletal load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randi Mork
- Department of Public Health Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway.
- Department of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design, University of South-Eastern Norway, National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye Care, P.O. Box 235, 3603, Kongsberg, Norway.
| | - Helle K Falkenberg
- Department of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design, University of South-Eastern Norway, National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye Care, P.O. Box 235, 3603, Kongsberg, Norway
| | | | - Hanne Mari S Thorud
- Department of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design, University of South-Eastern Norway, National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye Care, P.O. Box 235, 3603, Kongsberg, Norway
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Coles-Brennan C, Sulley A, Young G. Management of digital eye strain. Clin Exp Optom 2018; 102:18-29. [PMID: 29797453 DOI: 10.1111/cxo.12798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital eye strain, an emerging public health issue, is a condition characterised by visual disturbance and/or ocular discomfort related to the use of digital devices and resulting from a range of stresses on the ocular environment. This review aims to provide an overview of the extensive literature on digital eye strain research with particular reference to the clinical management of symptoms. As many as 90 per cent of digital device users experience symptoms of digital eye strain. Many studies suggest that the following factors are associated with digital eye strain: uncorrected refractive error (including presbyopia), accommodative and vergence anomalies, altered blinking pattern (reduced rate and incomplete blinking), excessive exposure to intense light, closer working distance, and smaller font size. Since a symptom may be caused by one or more factors, a holistic approach should be adopted. The following management strategies have been suggested: (i) appropriate correction of refractive error, including astigmatism and presbyopia; (ii) management of vergence anomalies, with the aim of inducing or leaving a small amount of heterophoria (~1.5Δ Exo); (iii) blinking exercise/training to maintain normal blinking pattern; (iv) use of lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) to help alleviate dry eye-related symptoms; (v) contact lenses with enhanced comfort, particularly at end-of-day and in challenging environments; (vi) prescription of colour filters in all vision correction options, especially blue light-absorbing filters; and (vii) management of accommodative anomalies. Prevention is the main strategy for management of digital eye strain, which involves: (i) ensuring an ergonomic work environment and practice (through patient education and the implementation of ergonomic workplace policies); and (ii) visual examination and eye care to treat visual disorders. Special consideration is needed for people at a high risk of digital eye strain, such as computer workers and contact lens wearers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Sulley
- Vision Care Institute of Johnson and Johnson Medical Ltd, Wokingham, UK
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