Study of Intraocular Pressure Among Individuals Working on Computer Screens for Long Hours

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Study of Intraocular Pressure Among Individuals Working on Computer Screens for Long Hours Ann Med Physiol . 2017; 1 (1): 22- 25 Quench Academy of Medical Education and Research Annals of Medical Physiology www.amphysiol . c o m Original Research Article Study of intraocular pressure among individuals working on computer screens for long hours Sanam Maria Qudsiya1 , Farisa Khatoon1, Aftab Abdul Khader2, Mohammed Asghar Ali3, Mohammed Abdul Hannan Hazari1 , Fareen Sultana1, Ayesha Farheen1 1Department of Physiology and 2Department of Ophthalmology, Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad-500058, Telangana, India. 3Department of Physiology Fatima Institute of Medical Sciences, Ramarajupalli, Pulivendula Road, Kadapa-516003, Andhra Pradesh, India. Article history Abstract Received 05 April 2017 In today’s world computers are ubiquitous and found in different forms which Accepted 07 April 2017 can effect intraocular pressure (IOP). Present study was undertaken to find Early online 11 April 2017 Print 30 April 2017 out effect of day-to-day exposure to computer screen on IOP in normal individuals. 70 individuals (who met the screening conditions and devoid of Keywords obvious ocular pathology and systemic diseases) had their IOP’s checked Computer screens before and 4 hour after computer session on same day, all working in Intraocular pressure (IOP) general day shift, involving reading English printed material. The results Long hours showed significant (p<0.005) increase with IOP values before exposure Schiotz tonometry being 17.893.25 and 16.992.84 and after exposure being 19.673.4 and 18.702.4 in left and right eye respectively. Increase in IOP was noted in 70% and 67% individuals in left and right eye. Differences in IOP of right and left eye may be due to dominance of eye or direction of script from left to right. Introduction increases risk of harmful effects of exposure to screen.1 Digital / electronic screens are found everywhere in different forms, in desktop computer, laptop, tablet Studies have been conducted to find out the effect to mobile phone. All requiring closed focused of exposure to visual display terminals (VDTs) or vision. Use of computers has become a necessity computer screens on refractive power of the eyes but reported no significant effect on refraction or in various professions and sometimes requires 2,3 prolonged sessions which produce strain on the worsening of myopia. There is a dearth of eyes, liable to effect IOP. Normally, humans blink literature on the effects of VDT on intraocular about 15 times a minute, but studies show we blink pressure (IOP) especially in the young adults less often while using computers and other digital employed in professions which require continuous screen devices, whether for work or play, this exposure to digital screens. Corresponding author Dr. Sanam Maria Qudsiya DOI: https://doi.org/10.23921/amp.2017v1i1.263328 Postgraduate student Print ISSN: XXXX-XXXX Department of Physiology, Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Online ISSN: XXXX-XXXX Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad-500058, Copyright © 2017. Quench Academy of Medical Education and Telangana, India. Research (QAMER). Published by QAMER Publishing House. Phone: +91-9100930802 This is an open access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Email: [email protected] License. 22 Qudsiya SM et al Effect of exposure to computer screens on IOP Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the fluid pressure Subject’s height, weight, body mass index, blood inside the eye due to presence of aqueous humor. pressure, refractive errors, past medical and The normal range of IOP is 10 to 20 mm of Hg and surgical history related to eye was taken. is maintained at this level throughout life and IOP was measured by ophthalmologist from Owaisi between both sexes, showing seasonal variations. Hospital using Shiotz Tonometer.6 IOP was Normal IOP have been reported to vary in both 4 measured in both the eyes after giving information eyes even in same individuals. about IOP and explaining the procedure to the The risk of slowly rising IOP is gradual damage to individuals, in lying down position, before and after the optic nerve. The cornea adapts to the changing 4 hours computer session, involving reading pressure slowly, without swelling; therefore there English printed material. 2% xylocaine was used are no clear symptoms. As damage to optic nerve as a topical anesthetic with a drop of antibiotic increase, black spots called scotomas begin to instilled at the end of procedure. The footplate and appear in the field of vision, usually beginning at lower end of plunger of Schiotz tonometer was the side leading to glaucoma. sterilized in absolute alcohol. The procedure was repeated thrice and the average was taken. Increased IOP presses on the retina causing blockade of axonal flow in ganglionic cells and also At the end of the procedure instructions to avoid causes compression of retinal artery and its eyestrain guidelines (Occupational Safety and branches (ischemic injury) thus leading to Health Administration, Washington, DC; American degeneration of optic nerve (optic neuropathy).5 Academy of Ophthalmology, San Francisco)7 and Thus leading to deepening of physiological cup or other techniques were explained and also were pathological cupping of optic disc along with emailed to the individuals. Those individuals who damage to retina or ganglion cells; clinically were having very high IOP were counselled manifesting as defects or scotomas in visual field separately by ophthalmologist. ultimately leading to blindness. Statistical analysis Elevated pressure in young persons’ is a cause of worry as they have longer expose time to high IOP Statistical analysis was done using EpiData over lifetime and a greater possibility of optic nerve version 3.1. Before and after comparison was done damage. Thus, this study was done to assess the by paired sample Student’s ‘t’ test. changes in IOP after considerable exposure to computer screens in young individuals. Results Materials and Methods Table 1: Intra ocular pressure after work shift Difference in IOP Left eye Right eye This study was conducted after taking ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Board Increased 49 47 (Reference number: 2014/6/009) of this institution. No Change 11 16 Young volunteers were enrolled from a Multinational company (MNC) after taking Decreased 10 07 permission from the company manager. Consent Total 70 70 was taken from all the individuals. 70 individuals (58 males and 12 females) between Table 1 clearly shows that increase in IOP after the ages of 20 and 40 years whose work involves computer work was found in 70% cases for left eye spending at least 4 hours continuously in a day on and 67% cases for right eye. computer screens were recruited for the study. Table 2: Comparison of IOP in all 70 cases Those individuals with established before and after computer session ophthalmological disorders like history of IOP (mm Hg) Left eye Right eye penetrating injury, current infections, lacrimal N 70 70 gland/duct inflammation and blockade, external and internal hordeolum, retinopathy, sudden or Before 17.893.25 16.992.84 gradual loss of vision due to any cause, Graves After 19.673.4 18.702.4 disease (exophthalmos) were excluded. Also, intraocular pressure was not taken in individuals p <0.05* <0.05* who had just finished exercise or who were Data is presented as mean±SD, *Statistically significant involved in activity causing lot of strain. Ann Med Physiol. 2017; 1(1) 23 Effect of exposure to computer screens on IOP Qudsiya SM et al Table 2 shows that the mean value of initial IOP in associated with early age of starting use of right eye (16.99) was lower than left eye (17.89) computer, pre-existing of refractive error, distance but this difference was not significant statistically from the VDT, level of top of the computer screen (p=0.08). There was a significant rise in IOP after with respect to eyes, use of antiglare screen and computer work as these values increased to 18.70 adjustment of contrast and brightness of monitor (p<0.05) and 19.67 (p<0.05) in right and left eyes screen, etc.12 respectively. Change was more significant in right A Russian study focused on changes in visual eye than the left eye. functions in computer users.13 In our study, there Table 3: Comparison of IOP in those cases was no significant difference in IOP between the where increase was noted after computer session two eyes before and after the work shift which was 14 IOP (mmHg) Left eye Right eye in accordance with previous study. A Polish study investigated effects of short-term (1 hour), N 49 47 intermediate-term (6 hour) work duration as well as Before 17.383.06 15.852.18 lighting conditions at the work place and reported significant decline in accommodation (near After 20.563.01 18.772.53 vision).15 Pas-Wyroślak et al reported that the p <0.05* <0.05* corneal surface temperature increases and IOP decreases after visual work with display monitors Data is presented as mean±SD, *Statistically significant at short distance. The decrease in IOP was attributed to improved aqueous humor outflow.16 If we consider those cases only that showed Our study revealed increase in IOP after working increase in IOP after computer work, the results on computers which is contrary to the findings of are highly significant. For left eye (n=49) the mean Pas-Wyroślak et al.16 IOP values before and after computer work were 17.38 and 20.56 respectively (p=0.0004), for right According to the National Institute of Occupational eye (n=47) the mean IOP values before and after Safety and Health, USA, computer vision computer work were 15.85 and 18.77 respectively syndrome affects about 90% of the people who (p=0.002). Rise after computer work is more spend three hours or more a day at a computer.7 significant in left eye than in the right (Table 3).
Recommended publications
  • Hereditary Reversion Pigmentation of the Eyelids with Heterochromia of the Iris
    874 LEE MASTEN FRANCIS enucleated. The following report on the Other cells were round with hyper- specimen was submitted from the New chromatic nuclei; while scattered thruout York State Institute for the Study of the tumor were large deeply staining Malignant Diseases: cells with one or two nuclei but free from The gross appearance of a cross sec- pigment. There were apparently two tion of the eye shows a tumor lying in types of pigmented cells, the one a large the lower temporal quadrant of the eye, irregular cell with long protoplasmic evidently springing from the choroid processes densely filled with fine yellow- near the margin of the optic disc. This ish granules, evidently chromatophores. tumor measured 15x10 mm. and was The other type of pigmented cell was a slightly nodular irregular ovoid tumor. evidently a tumor cell of the type men- The surface appeared smooth, was dark tioned above but containing fewer gran- gray in color and was of a soft consist- ules than the chromatophores. Thruout ency. The retina was markedly detached the tumor were small areas of hemor- and contained a clear serous fluid. Cross rhage and between the cells could be section of the tumor mass showed a demonstrated here and there, free pig- deeply pigmented homogeneous surface. ment granules. Microscopically, the tumor varied as From this picture, we would make a to the cellular constituents. There were diagnosis of malignant melanoma, fre- areas showing many pigment cells and quently called melanosarcoma, but by other areas almost free from the same. some authorities considered as melanotic The tumor was very vascular showing many fine capillaries around which in carcinoma.
    [Show full text]
  • Blue Light and Your Eyes
    Blue Light and Your Eyes What is blue light? 211 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1700 Sunlight is made up of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and Chicago, Illinois 60606 violet light. When combined, it becomes the white light we see. 800.331.2020 Each of these has a different energy and wavelength. Rays on the PreventBlindness.org red end have longer wavelengths and less energy. On the other end, blue rays have shorter wavelengths and more energy. Light that looks white can have a large blue component, which can expose the eye to a higher amount of wavelength from the blue end of the spectrum. Where are you exposed to blue light? The largest source of blue light is sunlight. In addition, there are many other sources: • Fluorescent light • CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs • LED light • Flat screen LED televisions • Computer monitors, smart phones, and tablet screens Blue light exposure you receive from screens is small compared to the amount of exposure from the sun. And yet, there is concern over the long-term effects of screen exposure because of the close proximity of the screens and the length of time spent looking at them. According to a recent NEI-funded study, children’s eyes absorb more blue light than adults from digital device screens. This publication is copyrighted. This sheet may be reproduced—unaltered in hard print (photocopied) for educational purposes only. The Prevent Blindness name, logo, telephone number and copyright information may not be omitted. Electronic reproduction, other reprint, excerption or use is not permitted without written consent.
    [Show full text]
  • Eyemed Blue Light
    BLUE LIGHT: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS From ZZZs to disease, the blue light battle is on It’s indisputable: our eyes are overexposed to digital devices like never before. And in the background hides potentially harmful blue light that may affect our sleep, or even cause long-term vision issues. But, here’s some good news — you can act now to potentially minimize vision issues later with advanced lens filtering technology formulated to guard your eyes. Q: WHAT IS BLUE LIGHT? A: Blue light is a natural part of the light spectrum visible to the human eye; it can come from fluorescent lighting, electronic screens, and of course, the sun. By day, blue light can be associated with boosted mood and attention, but by night, it can be a culprit of interrupted sleep. 1 Q: HOW DOES BLUE LIGHT INTERRUPT SLEEP? A: Researchers know that exposure to light at night suppresses the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that tells us when it is time to sleep. And an extended lack of deep sleep has been linked to depression and a decline in the body’s ability to fight off certain diseases. 1 Q: CAN BLUE LIGHT EXPOSURE CAUSE LONG-TERM DAMAGE TO MY EYESIGHT? A: In addition to disrupting sleep, blue light has been found to contribute to retinal stress, which could lead to an early onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).2 Macular degeneration deteriorates healthy cells within the macula, creating a loss of central vision that may impact reading, writing, driving, color perception and other cognitive functions. In serious cases, blindness can occur.
    [Show full text]
  • Taking Care of Our Eyes in the 21St Century Presented By: Carla Haynal Proprietary and Confidential | 1 HOW HAS the 21ST CENTURY AFFECTED OUR EYES?
    Taking Care of Our Eyes in the 21st Century Presented by: Carla Haynal Proprietary and Confidential | 1 HOW HAS THE 21ST CENTURY AFFECTED OUR EYES? • Lots of apps, social media, smartphones, and tablets • Time is spent looking at screens and not outside • More close-up work Proprietary and Confidential | 2 HOW HAS THE 21ST CENTURY AFFECTED OUR EYES? • Digital eye strain • Increased cases of myopia (nearsightedness) • Unprotected UV ray exposure Proprietary and Confidential | 3 DIGITAL EYE STRAIN DIGITAL EYE STRAIN • Digital eye strain is the physical discomfort felt after prolonged exposure to digital screens. • The light intensity increases the closer our eyes are to the source, so it’s important to maintain your digital distance. Proprietary and Confidential | 5 SYMPTOMS OF DIGITAL EYE STRAIN • Sore, tired, burning or itching eyes • Watery or dry eyes • Blurred or double vision • Headache • Sore neck, shoulders, or back • Increased light sensitivity • Difficulty concentrating • Feeling that you cannot keep your eyes open Proprietary and Confidential | 6 DIGITAL EYE STRAIN ProprietaryProprietary andand ConfidentialConfidential || 77 DIGITAL EYE STRAIN Millennials GenXers Boomers 40% 60% 25% use devices use devices use devices 9 hours a day 9 hours a day 9 hours a day Proprietary and Confidential | 8 DIGITAL EYE STRAIN KEEP AN Reduce exposure with INCREASE BLUE LIGHT- ARM’S FONT SIZE REDUCING on digital devices LENGTH eyewear from computer 20 | 20 | 20 Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Proprietary and Confidential | 9 WHAT IS BLUE LIGHT? BLUE LIGHT • Blue light is the highest energy portion of visible light. • The sun, smart phones, tablets, computer monitors, TVs, and LED and CFL all emit blue light.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessing the Factors and Prevalence of Digital Eye Strain Among Digital
    Int J Med. Public Health. 2021; 11(1):19-23. A Multifaceted Peer Reviewed Journal in the field of Medicine and Public Health Original Article www.ijmedph.org | www.journalonweb.com/ijmedph Assessing the Factors and Prevalence of Digital Eye Strain among Digital Screen Users using a Validated Questionnaire – An Observational Study Shashi Ahuja1,*, Mary Stephen1, Naveen Ranjith1, Parthiban2 ABSTRACT Introduction: Digital screen usage has grown up rampantly and various ocular complaints arise as a result of the same. Digital eye strain causes constant trouble to people with prolonged digital screen usage and this study was done to find the factors in digital screen that could be modified to reduce the eye strain.Methods: In this study a validated questionnaire was used among computer users and various symptoms people experienced were analysed. Dry eye test i.e. Schirmer’s tests I and II were performed in all the study subjects and dry eye was confirmed among the users. Results: In our study grittiness was the most common complaint and questionnaire employed in this study was 85 % sensitive and 72 % specific for identifying Digital eye strain. It also has a high positive predictive value of 85.6% in identifying dry eye among the users. In this study it has been found that almost all people with computer screen usage of >5 hr had symptoms of dry eye and also test positive for the same. Conclusion: Digital eye strain present most commonly as minor complaints like grittiness of eyes and more symptoms are seen in people who used contact lens and used digital screen for prolonged duration.
    [Show full text]
  • Blue Light and Digital Eye Strain Educating Patients and Providing Solutions
    Blue Light and Digital Eye Strain Educating Patients and Providing Solutions Anne-Marie Lahr, OD Dangers of Blue Light Dangers of blue light Ocular discomfort Interruption of sleep patterns and circadian rhythms Link between blue light exposure and macular degeneration Increased prevalence of blue light Solutions for Protection What Is Blue Light? Visible Light Spectrum 390 nm to 750 nm Blue Light 380 nm – 500 nm High Energy Visible HEV Blue Light is All Around Us The Tablet Revolution The Tablet Revolution April 2010: First iPad released A family portable computer Held at 12-24 inched from eyes Backlit display Moving into schools Outselling computers Same apps as the Smartphones Easier to read on than iPhone 35% of Americans own a tablet Digital Usage The Age of Digital Devices Typical Viewing Distances for New Media Devices 2 to 4 ft As the day 12 to 24 in progresses..we actually move closer to the back lit devices because our focusing system begins to 'lock-up'...bringing 12 to 18 in the device closer in order to keep the muscle in focus..... In turn, adding even more stress! Effects of Chromatic Aberration When light from a small white object is refracted by a prism, it is dispersed into its monochromatic constituents, the blue wavelengths being deviated more than the red To an eye viewing through the prism, the image of the object appears fringed with blue on the apex side of the prism Images: Nikon Courtesy of Mark Mattison-Shupnick Our Eyes and Digital Devices Our eyes can properly focus on images and print on back-lit digital devices.
    [Show full text]
  • FY2022 NIH, NEI Funding
    Iris M. Rush, CAE Executive Director Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology [email protected]; 240-221-2906 TESTIMONY SUPPORTING INCREASED FISCAL YEAR 2022 FUNDING FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH) AND NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE (NEI) LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS May 19, 2021 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), on behalf of the eye and vision research community, thanks Congress, especially the House and Senate LHHS Appropriations Subcommittees, for the strong bipartisan support for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding increases from Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 through FY2021. This past investment in NIH has improved our understanding of fundamental life and health sciences and prepared the nation to combat unprecedented health threats, including COVID-19. To maintain this momentum in FY2022, ARVO strongly supports $51 billion in NIH funding as proposed by President Biden, including no less than $46.1 billion for NIH’s base program level budget (absent proposed funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency–Health [ARPA-H]), an increase of at least $3.177 billion or 7.4%, which would allow NIH’s base budget to keep pace with the Biomedical Research and Development Price Index (BRDPI) and allow for 5% growth. This increase will support promising science across all Institutes and Centers (ICs), ensure continued Innovation Account funding established through the 21st Century Cures Act for special initiatives, and support early-stage investigators. Along with partners and other scientific societies, ARVO also urges one-time emergency funding for federal agency “research recovery” investment to enable NIH to mitigate pandemic-related disruptions without foregoing promising new science.
    [Show full text]
  • The Digital Eye Strain FINAL Jan 2020
    2/2/20 Digital use around the World The Digital Eyestrain EXPLOSION! KRIS KERESTAN GARBIG, O.D. [email protected] 2 3 Mobile Device use Digital Device usage § 30% of all adults are High users spending 9+ hrs. per day § 45% in 2012 § 61% use 5+ hrs. per day § 67% 2019 § 47% of US smartphone users say they couldn’t live without their devices § Over 80% use at least 2 hrs. per day § 66% of smartphone users are addicted to their phones § 67% of internet users worldwide visit the web on their phone § 67% use 2 devices simultaneously 4 5 Internet Use Digital Device Sources § Average time spent ONLINE is 6 hours 42 minutes per day which § 77% TV equates to close to 100 days of ONLINE time each year for every § 69% Smart Phone internet user § 58% Laptop § 52% Desktop § 58% stream TV § 43% TaBlet § 30% stream gaming content § 17% Video game console § 23% watch live streams of gaming content § 67% use 2 devices simultaneously § 16% watch sporting tournaments 6 7 1 2/2/20 Activities using Digital Devices Digital Device Impact Gen. Z (Born between 1997-2010) § 57% “Alarm clock” § 54% Weather § Learned to use technology at a age young § 44% Work § Continually “Connected”… § 43% Recreational Reading Snap chat, Instagram, Twitter, FB, others??? § 26% Meal Preparation/Recipes § 32% Travel/Flight/Ticketing § Operate appliances, garage doors, lights, etc. § Unlimited Apps 8 9 But wait…Generation Alpha! AOA's American Eye-Q Survey Born after 2011 § Kids connected longer than parents think § Grow up with I-pads in hand § Will never live without a smartphone 80% use electronic devices 2+ hrs.
    [Show full text]
  • Visual Impairment Age-Related Macular
    VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION Macular degeneration is a medical condition predominantly found in young children in which the center of the inner lining of the eye, known as the macula area of the retina, suffers thickening, atrophy, and in some cases, watering. This can result in loss of side vision, which entails inability to see coarse details, to read, or to recognize faces. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it is the leading cause of central vision loss (blindness) in the United States today for those under the age of twenty years. Although some macular dystrophies that affect younger individuals are sometimes referred to as macular degeneration, the term generally refers to age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD). Age-related macular degeneration begins with characteristic yellow deposits in the macula (central area of the retina which provides detailed central vision, called fovea) called drusen between the retinal pigment epithelium and the underlying choroid. Most people with these early changes (referred to as age-related maculopathy) have good vision. People with drusen can go on to develop advanced AMD. The risk is considerably higher when the drusen are large and numerous and associated with disturbance in the pigmented cell layer under the macula. Recent research suggests that large and soft drusen are related to elevated cholesterol deposits and may respond to cholesterol lowering agents or the Rheo Procedure. Advanced AMD, which is responsible for profound vision loss, has two forms: dry and wet. Central geographic atrophy, the dry form of advanced AMD, results from atrophy to the retinal pigment epithelial layer below the retina, which causes vision loss through loss of photoreceptors (rods and cones) in the central part of the eye.
    [Show full text]
  • Computer Vision Syndrome—A Common Cause of Unexplained Visual Symptoms in the Modern Era
    Received: 1 March 2017 | Accepted: 10 April 2017 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.12962 REVIEW ARTICLE Computer vision syndrome—A common cause of unexplained visual symptoms in the modern era Sunil Munshi1 | Ashley Varghese1 | Sushma Dhar-Munshi2 1Department of Stroke, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK Summary 2Department of Ophthalmology, Kings Mill Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the evidence and available literature Hospital, Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS on the clinical, pathogenetic, prognostic and therapeutic aspects of Computer vision Trust, Sutton-In-Ashfield, UK syndrome. Correspondence Methods: Information was collected from Medline, Embase & National Library of Dr Sunil Munshi, Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Stroke, Nottingham Medicine over the last 30 years up to March 2016. The bibliographies of relevant arti- City Hospital, Nottingham University cles were searched for additional references. Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK Email: [email protected] Findings: Patients with Computer vision syndrome present to a variety of different specialists, including General Practitioners, Neurologists, Stroke physicians and Ophthalmologists. While the condition is common, there is a poor awareness in the public and among health professionals. Interpretations and Implications: Recognising this condition in the clinic or in emer- gency situations like the TIA clinic is crucial. The implications are potentially huge in view of the extensive and widespread use of computers and visual display units. Greater public awareness of Computer vision syndrome and education of health pro- fessionals is vital. Preventive strategies should form part of work place ergonomics routinely. Prompt and correct recognition is important to allow management and avoid unnecessary treatments.
    [Show full text]
  • 8 Ways to Reduce Digital Eye Strain
    8 Ways to Reduce Digital Eye Strain Digital Eye Strain (DES), sometimes called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a term used to describe the eye strain experienced with extended digital screen use (smartphones, tablets, computer monitors, etc.). The symptoms of digital eye strain can include headaches, tired eyes, dry eyes, red eyes, neck and back pain, and overall fatigue and discomfort. What can be done about digital eye strain? We can all agree that these digital devices we spend our day using aren’t going away any time soon, so lets discuss some steps we can take to help our eyes work more easily and comfortably when browser surfing, checking Facebook and email, and oh yes, working also! Many of the preventive measures may sound obvious, but they are frequently overlooked or ignored. 1. Take vision breaks. Extended amounts of time spent focusing on a computer monitor or digital device stresses the eye’s focusing (accommodative) system because we don’t tend to shift our focus away from the screen. This extended focus can last for hours at a time. Just like any other muscle in the body, the focusing muscles can fatigue and tire and lead to eye strain, digital eye strain. Following the 20-20-20 rule can help. After every 20- minutes of screen time, shift your focus away from the screen and look at an object at least 20 feet away from you (preferably out a window), for 20 seconds. This will help “stretch” the focusing muscles and help curb the effects of digital eye strain.
    [Show full text]
  • Blue Light from Digital Screens Used at Work
    Evidence-Based Practice Group Answers to Clinical Questions Blue Light from Digital Screens Used at Work A Rapid Systematic Review By WorkSafeBC Evidence-Based Practice Group Dr. Craig Martin Manager, Clinical Services Chair, Evidence-Based Practice Group September 2018 Clinical Services – Worker and Employer Services Blue Light from Digital Screens Used at Work i About this report Blue Light from Digital Screens Used at Work Published: September 2018 About the Evidence-Based Practice Group The Evidence-Based Practice Group was established to address the many medical and policy issues that WorkSafeBC officers deal with on a regular basis. Members apply established techniques of critical appraisal and evidence-based review of topics solicited from both WorkSafeBC staff and other interested parties such as surgeons, medical specialists, and rehabilitation providers. Suggested Citation WorkSafeBC Evidence-Based Practice Group, Martin CW. Blue Light from Digital Screens Used at Work Richmond, BC: WorksafeBC Evidence-Based Practice Group; Sep 2018. Contact Information Evidence-Based Practice Group WorkSafeBC PO Box 5350 Stn Terminal Vancouver BC V6B 5L5 Email [email protected] Phone 604 279-7417 Toll-free 1 888 967-5377 ext 7417 WorkSafeBC Evidence-Based Practice Group September 2018 www.worksafebc.com/evidence Blue Light from Digital Screens Used at Work 1 Objective This review aims to explore potential hazardous effects of blue light from digital screens (e.g., computer screens) used at workplaces Background Amongst all digital devices used in modern work life (e.g., tablets, laptops, netbooks, smart phones, digital sound/video conferencing and presentation systems) office desktop computers stand out as the essential ones.
    [Show full text]