Changes in accommodation with visual fatigue among digital device users

Abstract

Background: Visual fatigue is categorized as a complex phenomenon that decreases visual performance. The aim of the present study was to assess changes in accommodation at different levels of visual fatigue among students of a Malaysian private university using digital devices.
 Methods: In this cross-sectional study, students regardless of sex and ethnicity were included. A comprehensive eye examination was performed. After estimating the level of visual fatigue, the amplitude of accommodation (AA), accommodation facility (AF), and monocular estimation method (MEM) were measured. The visual fatigue questionnaire was filled out by the participants. Participants were categorized based on the visual fatigue scores into low, moderate, and high visual fatigue groups. Moderate and severe visual fatigue groups were combined, as the distribution of participants was uneven across the groups. Accommodation parameters were measured for each group and compared between the two groups, i.e., the low visual fatigue group and the combined moderate to severe visual fatigue group.
 Results: We enrolled a total of 86 students, including 29 (33.72%) men and 57 (66.28%) women, with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 22.02 (1.51) years and age ranging from 19 to 26 years. By ethnicity, there were 69 (80.23%) Chinese, five (5.81%) Indian, four (4.65%) Malay, and eight (9.30%) participants from other ethnicities. Most participants were in the low visual fatigue group (54.65%), followed by the severe (25.58%) and moderate (19.77%) visual fatigue groups. AA for both eyes and AF for the right eye differed significantly between the two groups (both P < 0.05). None of the accommodative parameters correlated with visual fatigue (P > 0.05).
 Conclusions: Binocular AA and monocular AF significantly differed between the visual fatigue groups, but MEM was comparable. However, none of the accommodative parameters correlated with visual fatigue. These perceived vision dysfunctions could affect the visual skills of students. Therefore, future studies on the relationship between the observed dysfunctions and students’ reading performance are necessary.

Evaluating the ergonomic deficiencies in computer workstations and investigating their correlation with reported musculoskeletal disorders and visual symptoms among computer users in Bangladeshi university

“…This happens mainly because of prolonged usage of inappropriate computer workstations [ 15 , 52 ]. In addition, due to improper workstations, employees are working with heightened muscle tension and mental fatigue which also lead to MSDs [ 3 , 6 , 17 , 53 ].…”

“…Another similar research found that itchy eyes and teary eyes were the most prevalent visual complaints among computer users [ 47 ]. The presence of bright lighting and glare in the working environment leads to eye strain and difficulty in seeing objects on computer screens [ 6 , 23 ]. A previous study found that visual symptoms were attributed to average daily computer-related work hours, and visual symptoms were higher with increased light glaring in computer workstation areas [ 27 ].…”

“…Some previous studies also found similar correlations [ 15 , 16 , 22 ]. The presence of glare in the working environments triggers the chance of having eye strain and unclear vision symptoms [ 6 , 26 ]. Our study showed that inappropriate monitor orientation and glare from windows were associated with visual symptoms.…”

“…On the other hand, vision problems mean that a person's eyesight cannot be corrected to a “normal” level or the eyes of a person do not see objects as clearly as usual [ 5 ]. The most common visual symptoms experienced by office workers are itchy eyes, pain in the eyes, teary eyes, dry eyes, tired eyes, sore eyes, unclear vision, pain behind the eyes, and double vision [ 6 ]. However, MSDs and visual symptoms do not suddenly develop; instead, they develop gradually and display several symptoms.…”

“…Static posture and repetitive activity in organizations are major sources of MSDs for all professional groups [ 8 ]. Moreover, individual and other ergonomic factors are also responsible for developing work-related MSDs [ 6 , 9 ]. One study in Jordan showed that significant ergonomic deficiencies were identified in university computer workstations, mainly in seating, working area, keyboard, and other input devices; and found MSDs among the users [ 1 ].…”