The effect of Vaccinium uliginosum extract on tablet computer-induced asthenopia: randomized placebo-controlled study

Abstract

BackgroundTo investigate the alleviation effect of Vaccinium uliginosum extract (DA9301) on tablet computer-induced asthenopia.MethodsThis was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind and parallel study (Trial registration number: 2013–95). A total 60 volunteers were randomized into DA9301 (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The DA9301 group received DA9301 oral pill (1000 mg/day) for 4 weeks and the control group received placebo. Asthenopia was evaluated by administering a questionnaire containing 10 questions (responses were scored on a scales of 0–6; total score: 60) regarding ocular symptoms before (baseline) and 4 weeks after receiving pills (DA9301 or placebo). The participants completed the questionnaire before and after tablet computer (iPad Air, Apple Inc.) watching at each visit. The change in total asthenopia score (TAS) was calculated and compared between the groupsResultsTAS increased significantly after tablet computer watching at baseline in DA9301 group. (from 20.35 to 23.88; p = 0.031) However, after receiving DA9301 for 4 weeks, TAS remained stable after tablet computer watching. In the control group, TAS changes induced by tablet computer watching were not significant both at baseline and at 4 weeks after receiving placebo. Further analysis revealed the scores for “tired eyes” (p = 0.001), “sore/aching eyes” (p = 0.038), “irritated eyes” (p = 0.010), “watery eyes” (p = 0.005), “dry eyes” (p = 0.003), “eye strain” (p = 0.006), “blurred vision” (p = 0.034), and “visual discomfort” (p = 0.018) significantly improved in the DA9301 group.ConclusionsWe found that oral intake of DA9301 (1000 mg/day for 4 weeks) was effective in alleviating asthenopia symptoms induced by tablet computer watching.Trial registrationThe study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (registration number: NCT02641470, date of registration December 30, 2015).

Management of digital eye strain

“…Bhargava et al observed that, after 45 days of omega‐3 fatty acid treatment, patients demonstrated a significant improvement in dry eye symptoms and tear break‐up time. Similarly, Park et al found that a four‐week treatment with blueberry extract (species: Vaccinium uliginosum ) significantly reduced overall subjective eye strain symptoms.…”

“…Lubricating eye drops seem to help relieve (although not eliminate) symptoms of dryness, tiredness and difficulty focusing . Other treatment options are a dietary supplement of either omega‐3 fatty acids or blueberry extract . Bhargava et al observed that, after 45 days of omega‐3 fatty acid treatment, patients demonstrated a significant improvement in dry eye symptoms and tear break‐up time.…”

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment to Manage Ophthalmic Conditions

“…Asthenopia, or eye strain, describes nonspecific symptoms that occur after extended use of the eyes. 11 Common causes include prolonged reading or computer use, inadequate or excessive lighting, dry eye, presbyopia, and uncorrected refractive errors. 11 Use of computers, tablets, and mobile devices has become essential in everyday work, study, and leisure activities.…”

“…11 Common causes include prolonged reading or computer use, inadequate or excessive lighting, dry eye, presbyopia, and uncorrected refractive errors. 11 Use of computers, tablets, and mobile devices has become essential in everyday work, study, and leisure activities. 12 Continuous attention to these screens is closely related to a decreased blink rate and increased accommodation and convergence, which leads to eye dryness and asthenopia.…”

Amelioration of Visual Display Terminal-induced Ocular Fatigue by Aqueous Extracts of <i>Perilla frutescens </i>var. acuta

“…Some studies have reported that certain natural plant-derived extracts, including bilberry, Haematococcus pluvialis, blackcurrant, and black soybean hull extracts, can ameliorate visual fatigue and exert antioxidant effects [2,7,9]. Antioxidant compounds have Been shown to be effective in improving visual function [7,10].…”