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Optometry and Vision Science : Official... Jan 2023The use of digital devices has increased substantially in recent years across all age groups for both vocational and avocational purposes. There are a wide range of...
SIGNIFICANCE
The use of digital devices has increased substantially in recent years across all age groups for both vocational and avocational purposes. There are a wide range of proposed therapeutic and management options for this condition, including optical, medical, and ergonomic interventions.
PURPOSE
Regular breaks are frequently recommended by clinicians to minimize digital eye strain. The so-called 20-20-20 rule, whereby individuals are advised to fixate on an object at least 20 feet (6 m) away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes is widely cited. Unfortunately, there is relatively little peer-reviewed evidence to support this rule. The aim of this investigation was to determine whether scheduled breaks are effective in reducing the adverse effects of digital device usage.
METHODS
The study was carried out on 30 young subjects who performed a 40-minute, cognitively demanding reading task from a tablet computer. The task required them to read random words and to identify which ones began with a specific letter chosen by the experimenter. The task was undertaken on four separate occasions, with 20-second breaks being allowed every 5, 10, 20, or 40 minutes (i.e., no break), respectively. Both before and after each trial, subjects completed a questionnaire regarding ocular and visual symptoms experienced during the session. In addition, both reading speed and task accuracy were quantified during each trial.
RESULTS
A significant increase in post-task symptoms (with respective to the pre-task value) was observed for all four trials ( P < .001). However, there was no significant effect of scheduled breaks on reported symptoms ( P = .70), reading speed ( P = .93), or task accuracy ( P = .55).
CONCLUSIONS
Although widely cited as a treatment option, these results do not support the proposal of using 20-second scheduled breaks as a therapeutic intervention for digital eye strain.
Topics: Humans; Asthenopia; Reading
PubMed: 36473088
DOI: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000001971 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2022To compare the myopic progression before and during strict home confinement when coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and explore the potential influencing...
PURPOSE
To compare the myopic progression before and during strict home confinement when coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and explore the potential influencing factors.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study. One hundred and fifteen myopic children (115 right eyes) who replace their frame-glasses from December 2019 to January 2020 and with complete refractive records in our hospital since myopia were involved in the study. At the beginning of the strict home confinement and after a 3-month strict home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were invited to our hospital to examine the axial length and refractive errors. And visual functions, convergence insufficiency symptom survey (CISS) scale and questionnaires were also performed. Besides, the axial length and refractive errors before the COVID-19 were got from outpatient case files. The effect of strict home confinement on myopia was assessed by comparing monthly axial elongation before COVID-19 and during strict home confinement. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlation between potential influencing factors and myopia progression.
RESULTS
Axial length's monthly elongation during strict home confinement was 35% higher than normal periods (0.046 vs. 0.033 mm/month, = 0.003). The proportion of severe asthenopia doubled ( = 0.020). For myopia progression, heredity, close indoor work time and electronic products were risk factors. Besides, the protective factors were age, rest time after continuous eye usage, sleep time and distance from eye to computer screen.
CONCLUSIONS
During COVID-19, the decline in outdoor activities and increase of exposure time to digital screens accelerated the progression of myopia by 1/3.
PubMed: 35386915
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.853293 -
Journal of AAPOS : the Official... Feb 2022To investigate acute eye symptoms in healthy children after a typical day of virtual school during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PURPOSE
To investigate acute eye symptoms in healthy children after a typical day of virtual school during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS
The study population included 110 healthy children 10-17 years of age who were enrolled in full-time or hybrid virtual school. Children with a history of central nervous system or ocular pathology, recent concussions, reported poor vision, convergence insufficiency, history of orthoptic therapy, strabismus, amblyopia, or learning disorders were excluded. Background information was collected, including demographics, family and personal ocular history, and virtual school specifications. Eligible children completed a modified convergence insufficiency symptom survey (CISS) and an asthenopia survey before and after a virtual school session. CISS and asthenopia survey symptoms were scored, and the differences in symptomatology before and after school were calculated.
RESULTS
The average sum of the CISS scores increased from 5.17 before school to 9.82 after (P < 0.001), with 61% of children recording an increase in convergence insufficiency symptoms and 17% experiencing severe convergence insufficiency symptoms after school. Average asthenopia symptom scores increased from 1.58 to 2.74 (P < 0.001), with 53% of children recording an increase in asthenopia symptoms. Significant increases were seen in 12 of 15 CISS questions and in 4 of 5 asthenopia questions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study cohort, otherwise healthy children experienced acute ocular symptoms following virtual school.
Topics: Accommodation, Ocular; COVID-19; Child; Convergence, Ocular; Humans; Ocular Motility Disorders; Pandemics; Schools; Vision, Binocular
PubMed: 35032654
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2021.10.003 -
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) 2022To assess the connection between the prevalence of asthenopia and the use of electronic devices in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PURPOSE
To assess the connection between the prevalence of asthenopia and the use of electronic devices in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Asthenopia prevalence and its connection to electronic screens during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated in an analytical, cross-sectional investigation among the Jazan population. The sample population included 784 participants. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a pre-tested, organized, and self-administered questionnaire was used as the study method. Social media invitations were used to contact the sample group.
RESULTS
Of the 784 participants, 587 (74.96%) had asthenopia symptoms after using digital devices at the end of the day. A total of 56.30% used digital gadgets for > 6 hours each day, whereas 55.36% spent <2 hours per day reading papers or books or writing. Daily usage of digital gadgets did not significantly differ from asthenopia (p=0.46), as well as reading papers, books, or writing and asthenopia (p=0.098). A total of 45.92% of the study population maintained digital devices/books at a distance <25 cm, which was significantly associated with symptoms of asthenopia (p=0.048). Furthermore, 90.10% of the sample population used laptops, cellphones, and iPads before going to bed or after turning off lights. A total of 63.52% preferred using devices while lying in bed. There was no positive link between asthenopia symptoms and cellphone usage at bedtime or after turning off lights (p=0.028).
CONCLUSION
Digital technology is used by people of all ages for a wide range of daily activities, including education, employment, business, and recreation. We concluded that this group had a high prevalence of asthenopia, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The high frequency of asthenopia emphasizes the significance of conducting public awareness campaigns concerning asthenopia symptoms and prevention methods.
PubMed: 36193511
DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S377541 -
Clinical and Translational Science Apr 2022This paper aims to investigate the efficacy of circularly polarized light smartphones in affecting dry eye symptoms and asthenopia through a comparison with linearly... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
This paper aims to investigate the efficacy of circularly polarized light smartphones in affecting dry eye symptoms and asthenopia through a comparison with linearly polarized smartphones. One hundred twenty participants were randomly divided into four groups. Dry eye and asthenopia symptoms were evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Computer Vision Syndrome Scale 17 (CVSS17), Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS), and visual analogue scale (VAS). Objective ocular examinations were assessed by confusion flicker frequency (CFF), tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive break-up time (NIBUT), conjunctiva redness, fluorescein tear break-up time (FTBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, and the Schirmer I test. Tests were performed before and after a reading task. Subjective evaluations including the OSDI, CVSS17, and CISS were all significantly increased after reading on a linearly polarized smartphone, whereas no change was observed in the circular polarization groups in both light and dark environments. A significantly enlarged VAS was shown in all of the four groups, but a significant increase in ΔVAS only appeared in the linear polarization groups. There were significant decreases in TMH, NIBUT, conjunctiva redness, FTBUT, and CFF after reading on a linearly polarized smartphone but the circularly polarized smartphone had lesser effects on these parameters. Our study indicated that reading on linearly polarized smartphones may cause dry eye disorder, asthenopia, and ocular discomforts, whereas circularly polarized smartphones appears to minimize these adverse effects on eye dryness and visual fatigue in light and dark environments.
Topics: Asthenopia; Dry Eye Syndromes; Fluorescein; Humans; Smartphone; Tears
PubMed: 34962062
DOI: 10.1111/cts.13218 -
Optometry and Vision Science : Official... Mar 2022Although the high prevalence of digital eyestrain has been well established, to date, there is no objective measurement of this condition. Previous studies have...
SIGNIFICANCE
Although the high prevalence of digital eyestrain has been well established, to date, there is no objective measurement of this condition. Previous studies have suggested that digital eyestrain may be associated with decreased critical fusion frequency, but the published evidence to support this association is sparse.
PURPOSE
This study sought to determine whether symptoms of digital eyestrain after a sustained computer task are indeed associated with changes in critical fusion frequency.
METHODS
The experiment was performed on 30 young visual-normal subjects. They attended two sessions, during which they undertook a 20-minute reading task. This comprised either reading random words from a tablet computer or a story from a printed children's book. Critical fusion frequency was measured both before and immediately after each of the reading tasks. In addition, the level of digital eyestrain was assessed by subjects completing a questionnaire regarding ocular and visual symptoms experienced during each of the reading trials.
RESULTS
The mean increase in digital eyestrain symptoms after the digital and printed conditions was 11.37 (standard error of the mean [SEM], 2.23) and 4.40 (SEM, 1.34), respectively. Both the post-task symptom change (P < .001) and the difference between the two reading conditions (P = .004) were significant. The mean change in critical fusion frequency after the digital and printed conditions was -0.42 (SEM, 0.25) and -0.72 (SEM, 0.26), respectively. Neither the post-task change nor the difference between the two reading conditions was significant. In addition, when considering the digital condition only, no significant correlation was observed between the changes in critical fusion frequency and reported symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
These results do not support the proposal that changes in critical fusion frequency can be used as an objective measure of eyestrain or other symptoms of digital eyestrain.
Topics: Asthenopia; Child; Computers; Computers, Handheld; Humans; Prevalence; Reading
PubMed: 35086122
DOI: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000001872 -
Acupuncture in Medicine : Journal of... Apr 2020
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Adolescent; Adult; Asthenopia; Athletic Injuries; Humans; Male; Musculoskeletal Pain; Video Games; Young Adult
PubMed: 31429588
DOI: 10.1177/0964528419848751 -
Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics : the... Jan 2023A self-controlled study to determine the influence of illuminance and correlated colour temperature (CCT) of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting on asthenopia.
PURPOSE
A self-controlled study to determine the influence of illuminance and correlated colour temperature (CCT) of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting on asthenopia.
METHODS
Twenty-two healthy postgraduates (nine women) were recruited to read under eight LED lighting conditions with four illuminances (300 lx, 500 lx, 750 lx and 1000 lx) and four CCTs (2700, 4000, 5000 and 6500 K) for 2 h. A subjective asthenopia questionnaire, the optical quality analysis system (OQAS) and an inflammatory cytokine assay were used to assess the levels of asthenopia.
RESULTS
Increased asthenopia was observed after reading, but the degree varied with lighting conditions. There were significant differences among the groups in terms of subjective symptoms (inattention, eye pain, dry eye and total score), optical performance parameters (modulation transfer function [MTF] cut-off frequency, Strehl ratio [SR], objective scattering index [OSI], mean OSI and accommodative amplitude [AA]) as well as inflammatory cytokines in the tears (epidermal growth factor [EGF], transforming growth factor [TGF]-α, interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, macrophage inflammatory protein [MIP]-1β, tumour necrosis factor [TNF]-α, TNF-β and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]-A). All of the subjective and objective measurements collectively suggested that asthenopia was lessened for the 500 lx-4000 K condition. However, asthenopia was significantly worse for 300 lx-2700 K and 1000 lx-6500 K in terms of subjective symptoms and objective optical performance, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
LED illuminance and CCT do have a significant effect on asthenopia during reading. 500 lx-4000 K lighting resulted in the lowest level of asthenopia. Conversely, low illuminance at low CCT (300 lx-2700 K) and high illuminance at high CCT (1000 lx-6500 K) promoted more severe asthenopia.
Topics: Female; Humans; Reading; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
PubMed: 36181399
DOI: 10.1111/opo.13051 -
Neuro-ophthalmology (Aeolus Press) 2022Photophobia is considered the second most common symptom of both concussion and post-concussion syndrome. Soldiers on duty experience photophobia after blast-related... (Review)
Review
Photophobia is considered the second most common symptom of both concussion and post-concussion syndrome. Soldiers on duty experience photophobia after blast-related concussions or mild traumatic brain injury in 60-75% of instances. In addition, soldiers report other symptoms, such as asthenopia, squinting, dry eyes and headaches, for which they are considered to be at high risk. According to the International Brain Injury Association, some concussed patients report indirect symptoms such as multi-tasking difficulties, dizziness, vertigo, and fatigue. Moreover, some concussed individuals experience photophobia for approximately 6 months or indefinitely. We present the case of a 23-year-old soldier who presented with severe photophobia after a mild traumatic head injury. His photophobia was alleviated after the administration of topical anaesthetic drops in the eyes in the absence of any ocular surface pathology. He was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome light sensitivity and was managed successfully with rose-coloured special photophobia glasses tinted with FL-41. Photophobia is a common neurological symptom in military personnel that needs more attention as it affects body and mind. We have reported an uncommon pathway of photophobia, which may unveil an unrecognised mechanism that may play a role in post-concussion photophobia.
PubMed: 35273410
DOI: 10.1080/01658107.2021.1983612 -
Preventive Medicine May 2023Digital eye strain (DES) or computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a phenomenon linked to ever increasing digital screen use globally, affecting a large number of... (Review)
Review
Digital eye strain (DES) or computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a phenomenon linked to ever increasing digital screen use globally, affecting a large number of individuals. Recognizing causative and alleviating factors of DES may help establish appropriate policies. We aimed to review factors that aggravate or alleviate DES symptoms in young, i.e. pre-presbyopic (< 40 years old), digital device users. We searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane, Trip Database, and grey literature up to 1st July 2021. Among a plethora of studies with heterogeneous diagnostic criteria for DES, we only included those using a validated questionnaire for the diagnosis and evaluating associated factors in young subjects. Relevant data were extracted, risk of bias assessment of the included studies and GRADE evaluation of each outcome were performed. Ten studies were included (five interventional, five observational) involving 2365 participants. Evidence coming from studies with moderate risk of bias suggested that blue-blocking filters do not appear to prevent DES (2 studies, 130 participants), while use of screens for > 4-5 h/day (2 studies, 461 participants) and poor ergonomic parameters during screen use (1 study, 200 participants) are associated with higher DES symptoms' score. GRADE evaluation for the outcomes of blue-blocking filters and duration of screen use showed low to moderate quality of evidence. It appears advisable to optimize ergonomic parameters and restrict screen use duration, for minimizing DES symptoms. Health professionals and policy makers may consider recommending such practices for digital screen users at work or leisure. There is no evidence for use of blue-blocking filters.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Ergonomics; Computers; Asthenopia
PubMed: 36977430
DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107493