Abstract
BackgroundThis retrospective cohort study primarily aimed to investigate the possible association of computer use with visual field abnormalities (VFA) among Japanese workers.MethodsThe study included 2,377 workers (mean age 45.7 [standard deviation, 8.3] years; 2,229 men and 148 women) who initially exhibited no VFA during frequency doubling technology perimetry (FDT) testing. Subjects then underwent annual follow-up FDT testing for 7 years, and VFA were determined using a FDT-test protocol (FDT-VFA). Subjects with FDT-VFA were examined by ophthalmologists. Baseline data about the mean duration of computer use during a 5-year period and refractive errors were obtained via self-administered questionnaire and evaluations for refractive errors (use of eyeglasses or contact lenses), respectively.ResultsA Cox proportional hazard analysis demonstrated that heavy computer users (>8 hr/day) had a significantly increased risk of FDT-VFA (hazard ratio [HR] 2.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26–6.48) relative to light users (<4 hr/day), and this association was strengthened among subjects with refractive errors (HR 4.48; 95% CI, 1.87–10.74). The computer usage history also significantly correlated with FDT-VFA among subject with refractive errors (P < 0.05), and 73.1% of subjects with FDT-VFA and refractive errors were diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.ConclusionsThe incidence of FDT-VFA appears to be increased among Japanese workers who are heavy computer users, particularly if they have refractive errors. Further investigations of epidemiology and causality are warranted.
Highlights
The rapid global spread of information technology (IT), and most recently of new media, has continually increased exposure to visual display terminals (VDT)
We observed significant differences in age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and refractive errors among the three groups stratified by the mean time spent at a computer during a 5-year period and CUI
Age, existing ocular hypertension, smoking status, refractive errors, and mean time spent using a computer were listed as significant variables (Table 2)
Summary
The rapid global spread of information technology (IT), and most recently of new media (eg, smartphones and tablets), has continually increased exposure to visual display terminals (VDT). This exposure is marked among general workers, who are exposed in both the workplace and during private activities. These backlit VDT apparatuses, such as monitors, expose the eyes to direct light stimulation for long periods of time. We postulated that long-time computer use might increase the risk of glaucoma This retrospective cohort study primarily aimed to investigate the possible association of computer use with visual field abnormalities (VFA) among Japanese workers
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
