Ergophthalmology in accounting offices: the computer vision syndrome (CVS) / Ergoftalmologia em escritórios de contabilidade: a síndrome visual do computador (SVC)

Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to determine the presence of the symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS) accounting office employees. Methods: The research tools used were a questionnaire based on the set of symptoms of CVS rated by Likert scale (1-5) and workplace observations based on Ergonomic Workplace Analysis (EWA). Results: The participants who worked with a viewing angle of less than 10º relative to the screen had more symptoms, particularly of pain in the back of the neck and back (p = 0.0460). The participants who used lighting other than 450 and 699 lux reported significant headache (p = 0.0045) and dry eye (p = 0.0329) symptoms. Younger workers had more headaches (p = 0.0182), and workers with fewer years of employment had more headaches and dry eyes symptoms (p = 0.0164 and p = 0.0479, respectively). A total of 37% of the participants reported a lack of guidance regarding prevention and painful symptoms in the back of the neck and back (p = 0.0936). Conclusion: Younger participants with fewer years of employment, who had not received information regarding proper computer use, who did not use lighting between 450 and 699 lux or who worked with viewing angles of less than 10º had more computer vision syndrome symptoms.

Resumo Objetivo: Este trabalho objetivou averiguar a presença dos sintomas da Síndrome Visual dos Computadores (SVC) trabalhadores de escritórios de contabilidade. Métodos: Como instrumentos de pesquisa utilizou-se um questionário baseado no conjunto de sintomas da SVC, avaliado por Escala Likert (1-5), e foram realizadas observações no local de trabalho baseadas na Avaliação Ergonômica de Postos de Trabalho. Resultados: Os participantes que trabalhavam com o ângulo de visão menor do que 10º em relação à tela foram os que apresentaram mais sintomas sobretudo de dor na parte posterior do pescoço e nas costas (p=0,0460). Aqueles que usavam iluminação diferente de 450 e 699 lux reportaram sintomas significativos para dor de cabeça (p=0,0045) e ressecamento ocular (p=0,0329). Os mais jovens apresentaram mais dor de cabeça (p=0,0182) e aqueles com menor tempo de trabalho mais sintomas de dor de cabeça e ressecamento ocular (respectivamente p=0,0164 e p=0,0479). A falta de recebimento de orientações sobre prevenção foi confirmada por 37% participantes que referiram mais sintomas de dor na parte posterior do pescoço e nas costas (p=0,0936). Conclusão: Os participantes mais jovens, com menor tempo de trabalho, que não haviam recebido informações sobre o uso de computador, não utilizavam iluminação entre 450 e 699 lux ou trabalhavam com o ângulo de visão menor do que 10º apresentaram mais sintomas da síndrome visual do computador.

Factors leading to the computer vision syndrome: an issue at the contemporary workplace

INTRODUCTION: Vision and eye related problems are common among computer users, and have been collectively called the Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). METHODS: An observational study in order to identify the risk factors leading to the CVS was done. Twenty-eight participants answered a validated questionnaire, and had their workstations examined. The questionnaire evaluated personal, environmental, ergonomic factors, and physiologic response of computer users. The distance from the eye to the computers' monitor (A), the computers' monitor height (B), and visual axis height (C) were measured. The difference between B and C was calculated and labeled as D. Angles of gaze to the computer monitor were calculated using the formula: angle=tan-1(D/A). Angles were divided into two groups: participants with angles of gaze ranging from 0 degree to 13.9 degrees were included in Group 1; and participants gazing at angles larger than 14 degrees were included in Group 2. Statistical analysis of the evaluated variables was made. RESULTS: Computer users in both groups used more tear supplements (as part of the syndrome) than expected. This association was statistically significant (p < 0.10). Participants in Group 1 reported more pain than participants in Group 2. Associations between the CVS and other personal or ergonomic variables were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that the most important factor leading to the syndrome is the angle of gaze at the computer monitor. Pain in computer users is diminished when gazing downwards at angles of 14 degrees or more. The CVS remains an under estimated and poorly understood issue at the workplace. The general public, health professionals, the government, and private industries need to be educated about the CVS.

Factors leading to the Computer Vision Syndrome: an issue at the contemporary workplace

INTRODUCTION: Vision and eye related problems are common among computer users, and have been collectively called the Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). METHODS: An observational study in order to identify the risk factors leading to the CVS was done. Twenty-eight participants answered a validated questionnaire, and had their workstations examined. The questionnaire evaluated personal, environmental, ergonomic factors, and physiologic response of computer users. The distance from the eye to the computers' monitor (A), the computers' monitor height (B), and visual axis height (C) were measured. The difference between B and C was calculated and labeled as D. Angles of gaze to the computer monitor were calculated using the formula: angle=tan(-1)(D/ A). Angles were divided into two groups: participants with angles of gaze ranging from 0 degrees to 13.9 degrees were included in Group 1; and participants gazing at angles larger than 14 degrees were included in Group 2. Statistical analysis of the evaluated variables was made. RESULTS: Computer users in both groups used more tear supplements (as part of the syndrome) than expected. This association was statistically significant (p<0.10). Participants in Group 1 reported more pain than participants in Group 2. Associations between the CVS and other personal or ergonomic variables were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that most important factor leading to the syndrome is the angle of gaze at the computer monitor. Pain in computer users is diminished when gazing downwards at angles of 14 degrees or more. The CVS remains an under estimated and poorly understood issue at the workplace. The general public, health professionals, the government, and private industries need to be educated about the CVS

Riesgos y daños a la salud derivados del uso de videoterminal / Health hazards associated with the use of video display terminals

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la relación de daños a la salud con el uso de videoterminal, riesgos laborales y factores psicosociales en trabajadores de un diario informativo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: En 1998 se estudió una muestra representativa (n=68) de una población de 218 trabajadores de un diario informativo de la Ciudad de México. Se presentan los resultados obtenidos a partir de una encuesta de autoaplicación, los cuales fueron comparados posteriormente con datos de exámenes clínicos. La hipótesis de esta investigación sustenta que, tanto el uso actual como la exposición acumulada de videoterminal, se asocian con mayor riesgo de presentar padecimientos visuales, músculo-esqueléticos y dermatológicos; trastornos mentales y psicosomáticos, y fatiga general. Los resultados fueron analizados en función de diferentes riesgos laborales: (riesgo visual, trabajo sedentario, uso de mouse, riesgo postural, calor excesivo y hacinamiento) y factores psicosociales derivados de la organización del trabajo (demandas psicológicas, control sobre el trabajo y apoyo social). Para valorar su relación con los daños derivados del uso de videoterminal, se estimaron razones de prevalencias ajustadas por confusores potenciales (edad, sexo y escolaridad). RESULTADOS: Las mujeres presentaron prevalencias más elevadas de trastornos músculo-esqueléticos en la mayoría de los daños investigados, y las diferencias fueron significativas entre ambos sexos para dermatitis y eczema seborreico. El uso de videoterminal se asoció con mayor riesgo de fatiga neurovisual, trastornos músculo-esqueléticos en manos y extremidades superiores, dermatitis y eczema seborreico. De los riesgos laborales, los más asociados con trastornos fueron el uso de mouse y el riesgo postural. Los factores psicosociales se relacionaron principalmente con los padecimientos de naturaleza psicológica (trastornos mentales, psicosomáticos y fatiga general). CONCLUSIONES: Con el uso intensivo de videoterminal los padecimientos investigados son frecuentes, en especial, los trastornos músculo-esqueléticos en manos. Además, el enriquecimiento de las tareas y el propio control del proceso laboral tuvieron efecto protector contra los trastornos psicosomáticos y la fatiga patológica

Prevenção de lesões ocorridas em operadores de terminais de computadores / Prevention of injuries occurring in the terminal operators of computers

O autor analisa os problemas de agravo à saúde do trabalhador (digitador), estando as queixas músculo-esqueléticas diretamente ligadas aos esforços repetitivos. Dá-se ênfase aos distúrbios osteo-musculares, ressaltando sua elevada incidência e influência sobre a produtividade e rendimento do trabalho. Traça os fatores de risco e o ambiente de trabalho, que deve ter caráter adequado e harmônico à função. Este trabalho visa dar melhor entendeimento, diagnóstico precoce, meios de prevenção, melhores condições de trabalho para uma mehor organização do próprio trabalho, reduzindo incidência de lesões nestes trabalhadores, pois suas dimensões não são totalmente conhecidas. Consequência da subnotificação, subregistro e do não diagnóstico.

Queixas visuais em profissionais na área da informática / Visual complaints in professionals of computing science

Realizamos um estudo para determinar a incidência de queixas visuais em digitadores. Análise do sintoma revelou stress visual quando o trabalho contínuo foi superior a 3 horas. Recomendamos que exame ocular seria importante para todos os profissionais, digitadores, antes de iniciar suas atividades e pelo menos uma vez ao ano