Preventive use of eye drops to stabilize the tear film in video display terminal workers: preliminary notes.

Abstract: In this work, he presents the results of preliminary work concerning the protective use of eye drops stabilizing all three layers that make up the tear film. Infact, video display terminals (VDT) are today an essential element in almost all work environments, from offices where they represent the fundamental work tool to production environments where they are indispensable for carrying out control functions (control stations, management of quantities and flows, etc.) or design. The risk due to VDTs is one of the factors considered by Legislative Decree 81/08, therefore its assessment falls within the employer's obligations and at the same time requires health surveillance by the occupational doctor.

Video display terminal use and limitations according to italian legislative decree: occupational and forensic perspective.

Abstract: In this paper, the authors conduct a review inherent in the use of video display units considering the laws currently in force in Italy, with emphasis on critical legislative and operational issues. Video Display Terminal (VDTs) are today an essential element in almost all work environments, from offices where they represent the fundamental work tool to production environments where they are indispensable for carrying out control functions (command stations, quantity management and flows, etc.) or for design work. The risk due to VDTs is one of the factors considered by the Italian Legislative Decree 81/08, so its assessment is part of the employer's obligations and at the same time requires health surveillance by the occupational physician. The new workstations have certainly not reduced visual postural demands, but they have changed them, opening the door to new disor-ders and imposing greater flexibility on the activity of the occupational physician, who often cannot limit himself to an annual inspection of the workplace. The aim of this work is to examine the current critical issues and future prospects of ergophthalmology.

Tear film changes in symptomatic versus asymptomatic video display terminal users following computer challenge test.

PURPOSE: To assess the real-time changes in the tear film and ocular surface of symptomatic video display terminal (VDT) versus asymptomatic users. METHODS: A total of 35 symptomatic (29 ± 5.6 years; Group 1, mild dry eye disease) and 35 asymptomatic (24.1 ± 4.6 years; Group 2) VDT users with a mean OSDI of 28 ± 11 and 0.86 ± 2.1, respectively, had tear film examination (Oculus Keratograph 5 M and Tearlab Osmolarity System) at baseline and after 1 h of watching a movie on the laptop inside a controlled environment chamber along with blink rate calculation. RESULTS: The mean VDT use was 11.4 ± 3.2 h/day in Group 1 and 2.3 ± 2.3 h/day in Group 2. In Group 1, the mean pre- and post-VDT task values for NIBUT and bulbar congestion were 10.7 ± 3.7s and 6.7 ± 3.1s (P = 0.007), and 0.8 ± 0.4 and 1.1 ± 0.5 (P = 0.01), respectively. There were no significant changes in tear meniscus height (P = 0.77), Schirmer I (P =0.14), corneal staining score (P = 1.0), and tear osmolarity (P > 0.05). Group 2 showed insignificant change in all parameters. Only 16.2% individuals in Group 1 met modified TFOS-DEWS II diagnostic criteria at baseline that increased to 67.6% following VDT task. The blink rate reduced significantly during the last 15 min (6.8 ± 3.4 vs. 9.3 ± 4.5; P = 0.006) compared to the first 15 min of the task in Group 1, whereas no significant change occurred in Group 2. CONCLUSION: Tear film instability and increased bulbar congestion are observed in symptomatic VDT users after computer work despite baseline stable tear film. The changes are significantly altered in symptomatic VDT users compared to asymptomatic users.

A survey on the degree of eye discomfort caused by video terminal use among college students in different altitudes.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the risk factors associated with different levels of eye discomfort due to video terminal use among college students at different altitudes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence and extent of eye discomfort by distributing an questionnaire to university students via the Internet. To analyze the causes and risk factors of eye discomfort among college students at different altitudes after using video terminals. RESULTS: A total of 647 participants who met the criteria were included in this survey, of whom 292 (45.1%) were males and 355 (54.9%) were females. The results of the survey showed 194 (30.0%) participants without eye discomfort and 453 (70.0%) participants with eye discomfort. The results of the univariate comparison of the degree of eye discomfort in the study subjects with different characteristics showed that the differences in the degree of eye discomfort were statistically significant (P < 0.05) for the 7 groups of indicators: gender, region, wearing corneal contact lenses for more than 2 h per day, frequent use of eye drops, sleep time, total time of VDT use per day, and total time per VDT use, while the remaining indicators, including age, profession, and whether refractive surgery or other eye surgery was performed, whether frame glasses were worn for a long time, and duration of daily mask wear were not statistically significant. The results of multi-factor logistic analysis of the degree of eye discomfort in the study subjects with different characteristics showed that gender, region, frequent use of eye drops, sleep time, and total time of VDT use per day were the risk factors affecting the degree of eye discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Female, high altitude, frequent use of eye drops, shorter daily sleep duration and longer daily VDT use were associated risk factors for the development of severe eye discomfort, where the severity of eye discomfort was significantly negatively correlated with increased sleep duration and significantly positively correlated with increased total time of VDT use.

Computer vision syndrome-related symptoms in presbyopic computer workers.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS)-related symptoms in a presbyopic population using the computer as the main work tool, as well as the relationship of CVS with the electronic device use habits and the ergonomic factors. METHODS: A sample of 198 presbyopic participants (aged 45-65 years) who regularly work with a computer completed a customised questionnaire divided into: general demographics, optical correction commonly used and for work, habits of electronic devices use, ergonomic conditions during the working hours and CVS-related symptoms during work performance. A total of 10 CVS-related symptoms were questioned indicating the severity with which they occurred (0-4) and the median total symptom score (MTSS) was calculated as the sum of the symptoms. RESULTS: The MTSS in this presbyopic population is 7 ± 5 symptoms. The most common symptoms reported by participants are dry eyes, tired eyes and difficulties in refocusing. MTSS is higher in women (p < 0.05), in laptop computer users (p < 0.05) and in teleworkers compared to office workers (p < 0.05). Regarding ergonomic conditions, MTSS is higher in participants who do not take breaks while working (p < 0.05), who have an inadequately lighting in the workspace (p < 0.05) and in the participants reporting neck (p < 0.01) or back pain (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between CVS-related symptoms, the use of electronic devices and the ergonomic factors, which indicates the importance of adapting workplaces, especially for home-based teleworkers, and following basic visual ergonomics rules.

Influence of video display terminal use and meibomian gland dysfunction on the ocular surface and tear neuromediators.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of video display terminal (VDT) work and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) on ocular surface parameters, tear cytokine and substance P (SP) levels, and their association with dry eye disease (DED). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 60 patients with evaporative DED and 20 healthy individuals. The DED patients were divided into three groups according to daily VDT work time and presence of MGD. The ocular surface and tear film were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire (OSDI), tear film break-up time (TBUT), ocular surface staining, Schirmer II test, and corneal sensitivity. MGD was evaluated with meibography. Corneal nerve alterations were evaluated using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). The tear levels of 30 cytokines and SP were examined. RESULTS: Compared to controls, DED patients had higher OSDI score (p < 0.001), increased corneal staining with fluorescein and lissamine green (p = 0.046, p = 0,038), and lower TBUT (p < 0.001). Tear interleukin-6 levels were higher in DED patients, while tear SP levels did not differ between the groups (p = 0.265). VDT work time showed a weak positive correlation with OSDI (r = 0.274, p = 0.014) and SP level (r = 0.284, p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that VDT use and MGD have an adverse effect on the ocular surface. It was also observed that the combination of VDT use and MGD did not significantly increase the ocular surface disease, but longer VDT exposure may be associated with more complaints of ocular discomfort.

[The study of relationship between occupational stress and sleep quality of video display terminals].

Objective: To investigate the sleep quality of video operators in Shenzhen, and explore the relationship between sleep quality and occupational stress and different work and life habits. Methods: In December 2020, a cluster sampling method was used to investigate 791 video operators in Shenzhen from June to December 2020 who were engaged in printing, design, IT and other industries. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Scale was used to investigate the sleep quality of video operators, and the Job Content Questionnaire was used to investigate the occupational stress of video operators, The Pay Return Imbalance Questionnaire was used to investigate the pay return imbalance of video operators. The measurement data conforming to the normal distribution shall be expressed by mean±standard deviation, and t-test, analysis of variance and linear correlation analysis shall be adopted according to the type of independent variable. Those that do not conform to the normal distribution are described by the median M (Q(1), Q(3)), and two sample Wilcoxon test is used according to the binary data of independent variable type. Kruskal Wallis test was used for multi classification data, and Spearman rank correlation was used for single factor analysis for ordinal classification data. The counting data were analyzed by chi square test or Fisher exact probability method. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. Results: the pittsburgh sleep quality index was 4.76±2.86. 499 of them had high sleep quality. 292 people had low sleep quality, accounting for 36.91% (292/791). Compared with the low sleep quality group, the high sleep quality group had lower work requirement scores (13.48±1.77), higher autonomy scores (24.08±3.33), higher social support scores (23.95±3.08), lower pay scores (16.11±2.63), higher return scores (31.11±3.65), and lower internal input scores (14.98±2.55). There were statistically significant differences between the two scales in each dimension index group (P<0.05). Multi factor unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that high education level (OR=1.57, 95%CI=1.26~1.98, P<0.05), occupational stress (OR=1.69, 95%CI=1.21~2.36, P<0.05), and high pay and low return (OR=1.41, 95%CI=1.01~1.96, P<0.05) were the main influencing factors of sleep quality. Conclusion: The occurrence of occupational stress in video operators is a risk factor for low sleep quality, which should be paid enough attention.

Association of visual display terminal time with prevalence of temporomandibular disorder among Japanese workers.

OBJECTIVES: Visual display terminal (VDT) time has been reported to affect the development of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). However, no study has investigated the association between VDT time at and outside of work with TMDs Adjusting for known TMJ risk factors. This study aimed to investigate whether TMDs were associated with VDT time at and outside of work after adjusting for various working conditions in Japanese workers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was based on an internet survey of 3930 workers (2057 men and 1873 women), The TMD Screening Questionnaire (SQ-TMD), occupational factors, VDT time at and outside of work, psychosocial factors, and habits were assessed. We applied logistic regression to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of VDT time on SQ-TMD with adjustment for confounders. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 43.3 ± 11.7 years, and 778 (19.8%) and 3152 (80.2%) subjects were at high and low TMD-related symptoms (TRS). Logistic regression analysis adjusting for all covariates (Model 2), the prevalence of high TRS was significantly higher among those with VDT time at work of 60-179 min (OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.18-1.94), 180-359 min (OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.00-1.62), and more than 360 min (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.10-1.88) compared to those with 0-59 min. However, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of high TRS for VDT time outside of work. CONCLUSION: VDT time at work, but not VDT time outside of work, influences the prevalence of TRS. Since the association between VDT time at work and the prevalence of TRS was found even after adjusting for sociopsychological factors and habits generally associated with TMD, further investigation of other factors is needed.

Effects of a Traction Device for Head Weight Reduction and Neutral Alignment during Sedentary Visual Display Terminal (VDT) Work on Postural Alignment, Muscle Properties, Hemodynamics, Preference, and Working Memory Performance.

The forward head posture of visual display terminal (VDT) users induces various physical and cognitive clinical symptoms. However, few studies have been conducted to identify and solve problems associated with VDT posture. This study aimed to examine the adverse effects of VDT posture and the positive effects of traction-combined workstations by measuring postural alignment, muscle properties, blood velocity, preference, and working memory. Thirty-four healthy VDT users (18 males and 16 females aged 20-30 years) participated in the experiment at three workstations, including conventional (VDT_C), head support (VDT_S), and upright (VDT_U) workstations. They conducted 2-back working memory task. The craniovertebral angle (CVA), muscle tone and stiffness, blood velocity and visual analogue discomfort scale (VADS) were measured to examine the influence of workstations. VDT_C showed increased muscle tone or stiffness in the levator scapulae (LS), suboccipital muscle (SM), and sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) and an increased reaction time (RT) in working memory. However, VDT_S showed decreased stiffness and tone of SM and improved comfort. In addition, VDT_U showed decreased stiffness or tone of the LS and SCM and improved blood velocity and RT. In conclusion, maintaining neutral alignment significantly improved working memory performance, muscle properties, and blood velocity.

Eliciting blinks by transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation improves tear fluid in healthy video display terminal users: A self-controlled study.

We aimed to elicit strong blinks among healthy video display terminal (VDT) users by periorbital transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) and evaluate its impact on the tear fluid and visual task. Appropriate TENS conditions were evaluated to evoke strong blinks under minimum discomfort. Seventeen healthy VDT users with noninvasive Keratograph first breakup time (NIKf-BUT) 5-15 s and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores < 15 were recruited in this study. Before the trial, noninvasive Keratograph average breakup time (NIKa-BUT), tear meniscus height (TMH) and OSDI scores were evaluated. Before each TENS session, the volunteers played Tetris while the corresponding blink rate and Tetris scores were recorded. Then, the participants underwent 30 minutes of TENS, which evoked blinking of their right eye 20 times per minute. Tetris scores were evaluated again during TENS. The Tetris scores and corresponding blink rate were assessed after each TENS session while NIKa-BUT, TMH and OSDI scores were recorded after the third and sixth TENS sessions. We found that OSDI scores declined significantly after the sixth TENS (P = .003). The NIKa-BUT of the right eye was promoted after the sixth TENS (P = .02), and the TMH was higher after the third and sixth TENS in both eyes (P = .03, P = .03 for right eyes respectively, P = .01, P = .01 for left eyes respectively). There was no significant difference between the adjusted Tetris scores before and during TENS (P = .12). The blink rate before and after TENS were unaffected after 6 sessions (P = .61). The results indicated that periorbital TENS effectively ameliorated ocular irritation and improved tear secretion and tear film stability by eliciting strong blinks in healthy VDT users without disturbing the visual task.

Computer vision syndrome, musculoskeletal, and stress-related problems among visual display terminal users in Nepal.

BACKGROUND: The use of computers and other Visual Display Terminal (VDT) screens is increasing in Nepal. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and other occupational health concerns among employees working in front of VDT screens in the Nepalese population. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of CVS, musculoskeletal and work-related stress among VDT screen users in the office, as well as their understanding and usage of preventive measures. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study among 319 VDT users in office settings in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal, using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the associated factors at 95% CI. P-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of CVS was 89.4%. More than eight out of ten study participants reported at least one visual and musculoskeletal symptom. Work-related stress, which was moderate-difficult to handle, was present in 36.7% of the study population. The mean±SD computer usage per day was 7.9±1.9 hours. Tired eye (63.3%), feeling of dry eye (57.8%), headache (56.9%) were the common visual symptoms of CVS reported. Total computer use/day > = 8 hours OR 2.6, improper viewing distance OR 3.2, Not using an anti-glare screen OR 2.6, not using eye-drops, and not wearing protective goggles OR 3.1 were significantly associated with the presence of CVS. There was no statistically significant association between visual symptoms of CVS, musculoskeletal symptoms, and stress with gender. CONCLUSION: CVS was substantially related to not employing preventive measures, working longer hours, and having an incorrect viewing distance. With more hours per day spent in front of a VDT screen, work-related stress and musculoskeletal complaints were also found to be important correlates. Similarly, work-related stress was found more among those who had less than five years of job.

Investigation and Analysis of Eye Discomfort Caused by Video Display Terminal Use Among Medical Students Studying at High-Altitude Regions.

Objective: To investigate the use of video display terminal (VDT) in high-altitude regions by medical students and the resulted risk factors of eye discomfort. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 686 medical students randomly selected from high-altitude regions, Kunming, Yunnan Province. The prevalence of video display terminal syndrome (VDTs) and related risk factors in medical students were analyzed by instructing students to fill in the eye discomfort symptom questionnaire [Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scale]. Results: There were 686 participants in this study, including 213 males (31.0%) and 473 females (69.0%). The results of questionnaire survey showed that 184 patients (26.8%) didn't have eye discomfort symptoms and 502 patients (73.2%) had eye discomfort symptoms. The comparison of demographic and ocular characteristics of eye discomfort symptoms group and no eye discomfort symptoms group showed that medical students in the group with ocular discomfort symptoms had longer total duration of video terminal use, longer duration of each VDT use, higher total scores of ocular discomfort symptom scores, and a higher percentage of the ocular discomfort severity group, all with statistically significant differences. There was no significant difference in the remaining parameters between the two groups of participants. The results of multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that the relationship between total sleep time, total duration of VDT use and eye discomfort symptom score was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Besides, ordinal logistic regression was applied further to investigate related factors of the severity of eye discomfort. The model demonstrated that total sleep duration and total VDT using duration were significantly associated with the severity of eye discomfort symptom (P < 0.05).The severity of eye discomfort symptom was significantly negatively related to the increased total sleep duration and it was significantly positively related to the increased VDT use duration. Conclusion: The prevalence of VDTs is high in medical students at high-altitude regions. The longer total duration of daily use of VDT and shorter sleep duration are risk factors associated with VDTs. The severity of eye discomfort symptom was significantly negatively related to the increased total sleep duration and it was significantly positively related to the increased total VDT using duration.

Influence of Prolonged Visual Display Terminal Use on Physical and Mental Conditions among Health Care Workers at Tertiary Hospitals, Taiwan.

This study aimed to examine the effects of prolonged VDT working time on physical and mental health disadvantages among health care workers (HCWs) in tertiary hospitals based on their work characteristics, age, and sex. Included in the study were 945 and 1868 participants in the non-doctor/nurse and doctor/nurse groups, respectively. The questionnaire included VDT usage-related information, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), computer vision syndrome (CVS), perceived occupational stress, burnout, the Brief Symptom Rating Scale-5 (BSRS-5), and self-rated health (SRH). After adjustment, multiple logistical regression analysis revealed that the two groups showed that the longer the VDT working time, the higher the risk of muscle pain, severe headaches, severe job stress, and self-assessed bad sleep quality. This showed that the condition of the doctor/nurse group was more severe than that of the non-doctor/nurse group. According to the stratified analysis by sex and age, in the group of women under the age of 30, the adjusted odds ratio value of physical and mental conditions increased with longer VDT working time and was statistically significant. The result show that it is important to reduce daily VDT exposure for doctor, nurses, and women under 30.

Tailored physiotherapeutic intervention study for musculoskeletal disorders among video display terminal users.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders represent one of the most common complains among video display terminal (VDT) users and are responsible for an important burden of disease in white collars. METHODS: From May 2017 to March 2018, 69 VDT users working at Trieste hospitals were recruited for a training session aimed to reduce musculoskeletal disorders in white collars workers. Thirty-three were assigned to the intervention group, whereas 36 comprised the control group. The intervention group received three personalized 1-hour-one-to-one sessions with a physiotherapist and a thorough evaluation of their workstation. Data were collected at baseline (T0), at 2 months (T1) and at 6 months (T2) using a standardized questionnaire and analyzed with the software STATA. RESULTS: Overall pain significantly decreased in cases at T1 and T2 (p < 0.05). Headache significantly decreased in cases at T1 (p < 0.05). Body awareness significantly increased in cases both at T1 and T2 (p < 0.05). Headache was positively correlated with an increased perception of pain (Coef 6.85, CI95% 3.2-10.5; p < 0.001), while the intervention determined a significant reduction of overall pain during the follow up (OR 0.97, IC 0.95-0.99, p = 0.013). Cases showed a significant increase of the cranial-vertebral angle at the 6 months follow up (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A tailored physiotherapeutic intervention has showed a statistically significant decrease in osteoarticular pain and an increased body awareness in VDT users undergoing a personalized training session.v.

Video display terminal use and dry eye: preventive measures and future perspectives.

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.

Computer vision syndrome in healthcare workers using video display terminals: an exploration of the risk factors.

AIMS: To estimate the prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS) in healthcare workers and its relationship to video display terminal (VDT) exposure, sociodemographic, optical correction and work characteristics, and to analyse whether there are differences among occupational groups. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A sample of 1179 physicians and surgeons, nurses, and nursing assistants from two hospitals in Spain between January 2017 and February 2018 were invited to participate in this study. Of these, 622 workers from both hospitals were finally included. CVS was measured using a questionnaire, the CVS-Q© . Logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with CVS. All the results were stratified by occupational group. RESULTS: The prevalence of CVS was 56.75% with nurses being the most affected occupational group (61.75%). It was associated significantly with female sex (aOR = 2.57; 95% CI 1.36-4.88) and morning shifts plus on-call (aOR = 2.33; 95% CI 1.11-4.88) in the physicians and surgeons group. Among the nurses, it was associated with female sex (aOR = 2.35; 95% CI 1.03-5.37), seniority between 10 and 20 years (aOR = 2.17; 95% CI 1.03-4.59), VDT exposure at work of 2-4 h/day (aOR = 6.14; 95% CI 1.08-35.02), VDT exposure at work >4 h/day (aOR = 7.14; 95% CI 1.29-39.62) and self-perception that using the software application was not easy (aOR = 2.49; 95% CI 1.23-5.01). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of CVS among healthcare workers was observed. The risk factors that increased the likelihood of suffering from this syndrome depended on the occupation. IMPACT: The findings may be used as a reference for occupational health services to implement specific preventive measures to reduce CVS for each occupational group. Such measures should consider both individual factors and the working conditions.

The association between visual display terminal use and dry eye: a review.

BACKGROUND: Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease of the tear film and ocular surface. It causes ocular symptoms, reduced quality of life and a considerable economic burden on society. Prolonged use of visual display terminals (VDTs) has been suggested as an important risk factor for DED. PURPOSE: This review aims to study the association between DED and VDT use with an emphasis on the prevalence of DED among VDT users and harmful daily duration of VDT use. METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted and yielded 57 relevant articles based on a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The studies were subclassified according to study design. RESULTS: The far majority of the studies showed an association between VDT use and DED or DED-related signs and symptoms. The prevalence of definite or probable DED in VDT and office workers ranged from 26% to 70%, with as few as 1-2 hr of VDT exposure per day being associated with DED. CONCLUSION: VDT use is strongly associated with DED. VDT-associated DED is prevalent, but the exact prevalence needs to be further elucidated using standardized DED diagnosis criteria. Furthermore, a safe lower limit of daily VDT use has yet to be established. More research is needed on the effect of digitalization and digital transformation, which are particularly high during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dry Eye and Visual Display Terminal-Related Symptoms among University Students during the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic.

PURPOSE: To evaluate dry eye (DE) and subjective visual display terminal (VDT)-related symptoms in university students who moved their classes online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of students who were taking online classes. In May 2020, the participants completed a Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5) and a self-report survey, which included demographics, medical history, information on the use of VDT and presence of VDT-related symptoms. Participants were classified as having mild/moderate (7-12) or severe (>12) DE symptoms based on their DEQ-5 score. The associations between severe DE symptoms and relevant factors were also evaluated. RESULTS: The data of 1450 eligible students were analyzed. The mean age of the participants was 21.1 (2.7) years. 42.8% of the participants had mild/moderate DE symptoms, whereas 34.7% had severe symptoms. Associated factors for severe DE were female sex (OR = 2.57, CI [1.97-3.35]), allergic disease (OR = 1.63, CI [1.24-2.13]), previous dry eye diagnosis (OR = 13.49, CI [7.10-25.63]), keratoconus (OR = 5.56, CI [1.27-24.44], contact lens use (OR = 1.77, CI [1.24-2.53]) and duration of VDT use (OR = 1.02, CI [1.01-1.05]). Prior to the pandemic, the mean reported duration of VDT use was 9.8 (4.7) hours; this increased to 15.9 (5.8) hours during the online classes (p < .001). 80.6% of the participants reported a global increase in VDT-related symptoms. CONCLUSION: Students taking online classes had a high frequency of DE symptoms. They also reported a significant increase in VDT-related symptoms. DE should be considered as an emerging health problem among the young population, which is probably related to the recent changes in lifestyle.

A Pilot, Phase II, Observational, Case-Control, 1-Month Study on Asthenopia in Video Terminal Operators without Dry Eye: Contrast Sensitivity and Quality of Life before and after the Oral Consumption of a Fixed Combination of Zinc, L-Carnitine, Extract of Elderberry, Currant and Extract of Eleutherococcus.

The aims of the study were to investigate the ability and effectiveness of an oral intake of a fixed combination of zinc, L-carnitine, elderberry extract, black currant and Eleutherococcus extract in controlling the symptoms of eyestrain in videoterminal (VDT) users and to record its effects on contrast sensitivity. A single-center, phase II, observational, case-control, 1-month study in VDT workers without dry eye disease was carried out. Demographics and number of actual hours at VDT/day were taken into account. All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, including assessment of contrast sensitivity, and completed the computer vision symptom scale questionnaire at baseline and one month later. A total of 30 Caucasian subjects adhered to the required inclusion criteria and completed the study; 15 subjects were treated (T) and 15 were controls (C). All clinical data at baseline were similar in both groups (p > 0.05): after one month, all subjects had stable visual acuity, refractive defect and intraocular pressure (IOP); screen exposure time was unchanged. Regarding symptoms, at randomization, the groups had a similar score: 33.1 ± 3.3 in T and 32.8 ± 5.6 in C. One month later, the computer vision symptom scale (CVSS) questionnaire score decreased by -14.1 ± 3, 1 (p = 0.000) and -2.3 ± 1.8 (p = 0.568), respectively. Regarding contrast sensitivity, in group C the values of spatial frequencies remained unchanged, while they improved in almost all the cycles per degree stimuli in the treated group. Oral intake of a fixed combination of zinc, L-carnitine, elderberry extract, black currant and eleutherococcus extract can significantly improve contrast sensitivity and symptoms in VDT workers with no signs of dry eye disease.