Digital eye strain: prevalence, measurement and amelioration

Abstract

Digital device usage has increased substantially in recent years across all age groups, so that extensive daily use for both social and professional purposes is now normal. Digital eye strain (DES), also known as computer vision syndrome, encompasses a range of ocular and visual symptoms, and estimates suggest its prevalence may be 50% or more among computer users. Symptoms fall into two main categories: those linked to accommodative or binocular vision stress, and external symptoms linked to dry eye. Although symptoms are typically transient, they may be frequent and persistent, and have an economic impact when vocational computer users are affected. DES may be identified and measured using one of several available questionnaires, or objective evaluations of parameters such as critical flicker–fusion frequency, blink rate and completeness, accommodative function and pupil characteristics may be used to provide indices of visual fatigue. Correlations between objective and subjective measures are not always apparent. A range of management approaches exist for DES including correction of refractive error and/or presbyopia, management of dry eye, incorporating regular screen breaks and consideration of vergence and accommodative problems. Recently, several authors have explored the putative role of blue light-filtering spectacle lenses on treating DES, with mixed results. Given the high prevalence of DES and near-universal use of digital devices, it is essential that eye care practitioners are able to provide advice and management options based on quality research evidence.

Efecto de una emulsión lubricante en la sintomatología, daño a la superficie ocular e inestabilidad de la película lagrimal de pacientes con ojo seco asociado al síndrome visual informático

“…La mayoría de los pacientes indicaron trabajar más de cuatro horas al día frente a computadoras, observándose mayor gravedad de los síntomas a más horas de exposición. Este hallazgo ha sido reportado previamente, sobre todo en quienes exceden el trabajo frente a PVD por más de 8 horas diarias [1,2,6,13] .…”

“…Se caracteriza por síntomas oculares como fatiga, visión borrosa, dificultad de enfoque y sensibilidad a la luz, los cuales se relacionan estrechamente con el desarrollo de ojo seco de mecanismo evaporativo. Los pacientes que padecen este síndrome suelen presentar además molestias de índole ergonómica como dolor en cuello, hombros y espalda [1,2] .…”

“…La prevalencia de ojo seco en usuarios de computadoras se ha estimado hasta en un 87,5% observándose con mayor frecuencia sobre los 30 años de edad, en mujeres y en quienes pasan más de cuatro horas diarias frente a una PVD [4,5] . El mecanismo fisiopatógenico del ojo seco en el SVI es la inestabilidad de la película lagrimal (PL), dada principalmente por una tasa de parpadeo anormalmente reducida y una mayor exposición de la superficie ocular, los cuales favorecen a la evaporación de la PL [1] . Los hallazgos clínicos incluyen un tiempo de ruptura de la película lagrimal (TRPL) corto, tinción corneal y test de Schirmer normal [6] .…”

Awareness About the Ocular Effects of Smartphones: A Study of Knowledge and Practice Among School Children

“…Internal symptoms like head ache, eye pain, eye strain is due to accommodative or binocular vision stress. 13 While digital eye strain is a common problem, there is poor awareness about its various health related issues in the public and among general health professional. 14 Only 28.87% of the study group is aware about the ocular effect of prolonged use of smart phones.…”

The effects of reflected glare and visual field lighting on computer vision syndrome

“…Critical fusion frequency is a recognised metric indicative of fatigue and workload . Reduction in critical fusion frequency is associated with eye fatigue .…”