الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract There is growing body of evidence that usage of computers can adversely affect the visual health. Considering the rising number of computer users in Egypt, computer-related visual symptoms might take an epidemic form. In view of that, this study was undertaken to find out the magnitude of the visual problems in computer operators and its relationship with various personal and workplace factors. Aim: To evaluate the probable effects of exposure to electromagnetic waves radiated from visual display terminals on some visual functions. Subjects and Methods: hundred fifty computer operators working in different institutes were randomly selected. They were asked to fill a pre-tested questionnaire (written in Arabic), after obtaining their verbal consent. The selected exposed subjects were were subjected to the following clinical assessment: ١-Visual acuity measurements ٢-Refraction (using autorefractometer). ٣- Measurements of the ocular dryness defects using the following different diagnostic tests: Schirmer test-,Fluorescein staining , Rose Bengal staining, Tear Break Up Time (TBUT)and LIPCOF test (lid parallel conjunctival fold). A control group included hundred fifty participants, they are working in a field does not necessitate exposure to video display terminals. Inclusion criteria of the subjects were as follows: minimum three symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS), minimum one year exposure to (VDT, s)and minimum ٦hs/day in ٥working days/week. Exclusion criteria included candidates having ocular pathology like: glaucoma, optic atrophy, diabetic retinopathy, papilledema The following complaints were studied: ١-Tired eyes. ٢- Burning eyes with excessive tear production. ٣-Dry sore eyes ٤-Blurred near vision (letters on the screen run together). ٥-Asthenopia. ٦-Neck, shoulder and back aches, overall bodily fatigue or tiredness. An interventional protective measure for the selected subjects from the exposed group was administered, it included the following (١)Educational program that include instructions about room illumination, site of the screen and viewing distance and display resolution properties also taking rest for the eyes.(٢)Local artificial tears eye drops and ointment use, with its lubricating and soothing effect that helps to overcome the eye fatigue and dryness. Reevaluation after diagnosis and intervention was performed as follows: after one, two, four and six months. The electromagnetic field of the VDT used by exposed subjects was measured by AC MILLIGAUSS METER MODEL UHS;. The range of frequency was in milligauss. Results: Among the exposed subjects studied, ٩٢% complained of tired eyes ٣٧٫٣٣%compained of dry eyes, or sore eyes, ٦٨% complained of headaches, ٦٨% complained of blurred distant vision, ٤٥٫٣٣% complained of asthenopia and ٨٩٫٣٣% complained of neck, shoulder and back aches. Meantime control group complain was ١٨% of tired eyes, ٢١٫٣٣% of dry eyes & ١٢٫٦٧% of neck, shoulder and back aches. Conclusion: Prevalence of computer vision syndrome was noted to be quite high among computer operators. Compared to those working in a field does not necessitate exposure to visual display terminals. |