Digital Asthenopia: Portuguese Group of Ergophthalmology Survey

Abstract

Introduction: Given the increasing use of electronic devices, and the increasing number of complaints with its use, we intend to evaluate the prevalence of manifestations of dry eye and ocular fatigue in a population of individuals, who use the computer daily to perform all their professional tasks, as well as to correlate these complaints with the number of hours of digital use as well as their possible improvement with behavioural measures and use of tear drops.Material and Methods: A total of 77 individuals (154 eyes) were evaluated on two separate days with a 1-month interval. They completed two questionnaires: OSDI and PEG Eye Fatigue. An objective ocular surface assessment was performed: Schirmer test without anesthetic, DR-1a Dry Eye Monitor™, hyperemia evaluation, lacrimal break up, presence of keratitis and lesions in the conjunctiva, as well as near accommodation point and near convergence point. After the first evaluation, the subjects were divided into two groups: group A (< 2 hours of computer working) and group B (> 2 hours of computer working). Some environmental measures to reduce complaints and recommendation of use of artificial tears were explained to the latter.Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the majority of the parameters evaluated in the group B, in relation to the morning period (group A) - tear film (p = 0.032), hyperemia (p < 0.001), BUT (p < 0.001), keratitis (p < 0.001), conjunctival lesion (p = 0.002) and accommodation point (p < 0.001). In the evaluation – one month later - there were no statistically significant differences in any of the parameters analysed in the group A, and in group B there was a decrease in most parameters at the end of that period - Schirmer test (p = 0.005), lacrimal film (p = 0.022), keratitis (p < 0.001), conjunctival lesion (p = 0.005) and fatigue score (p < 0.001).Discussion: It was thus possible to show the appearance of ocular fatigue and ocular surface changes with prolonged use of computers (> 2 hours) as well as a significant improvement in symptomatology (subjective assessment) as well as of ocular surface changes (objective evaluation) with the implementation of postural measures, regular breaks and use of lubricants. This is the first study, to the best of our knowledge, of digital asthenopia in which, in addition to the subjective evaluation, the presence of ocular surface modifications (objective assessment) were evaluated and the respective improvement with the aforementioned ergophthalmological measures were evaluated.Conclusion: This survey highlights the increased overall level of awareness that we need to have to face the rapid and wide-scale changes driven by the emergence of digital technology and, more particularly, its impact on user’s vision and posture. We concluded that the longer we use the electronic devices (more than two hours) the more severe the complaints and rates of ocular surface changes are. Environmental and ocular strategies can attenuate or even eliminate the discomfort caused by this syndrome, and increase professional performance and quality of life.

Pathophysiologic Mechanisms of Computer Vision Syndrome and its Prevention: Review

“…The other one is the management of binocular dysfunction as it is possible to improve accommodation demand by looking down and in simultaneously [21,26] Treating dry eye is also the other known method to prevent CVS [17,50,51]. Triphala eye drops are known to reduce as well as to increase visual function as indicated by Gangamma M, et al [27].…”

Visual Sequelae of Computer Vision Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study

“…Previous studies have reported that individuals interact with digital screens for up to 12 hours daily [1,2], and the American Optometric Association defined a combination of ocular and extraocular symptoms that affects the screen users as computer vision syndrome (CVS) [3]. However, our current understanding of digital technologies and their harmful impact on the eye and public health [1,4,5], visual performance [6][7][8], sleep patterns [7,8], circadian rhythms [5,8], musculoskeletal system activities [3,4], and underlying physiological mechanisms [9] remains incomplete and replete with misconceptions [1]. erefore, educational programs that include protective measures and health campaigns are necessary [10].…”

“…Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is also called by other names as digital eye strain (DES) [3], occupational asthenopia [11], digital asthenopia [1], and video display terminal syndrome (VDTS) [12,13]. CVS ocular symptoms include visual blur with an underlying mechanism that is not fully understood [10], dry eye disease (DED) [3,14,15], eye redness and irritation, eyestrain, fatigue, discomfort [14,16], difficulty in refocusing the eyes, and diplopia [3,4].…”

A review exploring convergence insufficiency in younger populations and e-devices in the digital era

“…Studies conducted in other developed countries have shown an increase in asthenopia among adolescents, which is shown to be related to their e-device usage. 57,58 All the above-mentioned studies noted a significant prevalence of CI among school-going children. Recent evidence shows that CI has been associated with the intense visual demand required of schooling children, 44 with Wajuihian et al 48 also noting that near work adversely affects the visual system.…”