The Effects of Lighting Problems on Eye Symptoms among Cleanroom Microscope Workers

Concurrent Rising of Dry Eye and Eye Strain Symptoms Among University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic Era: A Cross-Sectional Study

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.

The in vitro micronucleus assay using imaging flow cytometry and deep learning

The in vitro micronucleus (MN) assay is a well-established assay for quantification of DNA damage, and is required by regulatory bodies worldwide to screen chemicals for genetic toxicity. The MN assay is performed in two variations: scoring MN in cytokinesis-blocked binucleated cells or directly in unblocked mononucleated cells. Several methods have been developed to score the MN assay, including manual and automated microscopy, and conventional flow cytometry, each with advantages and limitations. Previously, we applied imaging flow cytometry (IFC) using the ImageStream® to develop a rapid and automated MN assay based on high throughput image capture and feature-based image analysis in the IDEAS® software. However, the analysis strategy required rigorous optimization across chemicals and cell lines. To overcome the complexity and rigidity of feature-based image analysis, in this study we used the Amnis® AI software to develop a deep-learning method based on convolutional neural networks to score IFC data in both the cytokinesis-blocked and unblocked versions of the MN assay. We show that the use of the Amnis AI software to score imagery acquired using the ImageStream® compares well to manual microscopy and outperforms IDEAS® feature-based analysis, facilitating full automation of the MN assay.

Occupational health issues experienced by UK embryologists: informing improvements in clinical reproductive science practice

A consultation exercise was undertaken with UK embryologists to construct knowledge of the occupational health issues they experience in everyday practice. Data were obtained from 223 eligible survey responses. Work-related ill health was self-reported by 58.3% of respondents, 76.2% of whom reported multiple issues. The most frequently disclosed ill-health conditions were musculoskeletal disorders (45.3%) and stress and mental health problems (27.8%). Other issues with an incidence above 3% were ocular and auditory problems and needlestick and liquid nitrogen injuries. Shoulder injury or pain correspondingly increased in incidence with length of time in service. Absence from work and/or light duties were necessitated for 34.5% of those affected. Assessment of the evidence base for these work-related ill-health conditions explored contributory and ameliorating factors, which enabled a series of evidence-based recommendations to be formulated via the adoption of a GRADE-based framework.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Severe Dry Eye in Bangladesh-Based Factory Garment Workers

This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and the associated factors of severe dry eye symptoms (SDES) among garments worker of Gazipur, Bangladesh. We prospectively collected cross-sectional data for 1050 garments workers of a factory (70% response). All participants had an evaluation of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and a detailed ophthalmic examination including tear breakup time (TBUT), ocular surface fluorescein staining, and Schirmer’s I test. MGD grading was based on the viscosity/color and ease of manual expression of meibum. Mean age of participants was 35.5 ± 12.1 years; 53.8% were women. The prevalence of dry eye (OSDI > 12) was 64.2% (95% CI 61.2–67.1%). OSDI was not significantly different between sex or age-groups but associated with increasing MGD grade (p < 0.001), reduced TBUT (<5 s) [p < 0.001], and reduced Schirmer’s test (<5 mm) [p < 0.001]. Thirty-five percent had SDES (OSDI > 32). Using univariate logistic regressions, SDES was associated with older age (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.01, 95% Confidence Interval [1.005–1.03] per year increase) and male sex (OR 1.76, 95% CI: 1.36–2.27). When adjusted for age and sex, SDES were strongly associated with increase in MGD severity grading (OR 188, 95% CI: 91–390). However, in multivariate regression, TBUT, but not MGD severity, became the only significant determinant of SDES (OR 13.0, 95% CI: 6.3–27.0, for every 1 s decrease in TBUT). MGD is common in garments workers, contributing to dry eye symptoms in addition to other tear parameters. Reduced tear stability is associated with SDES.