Measurement of VDT Operator Performance, Eye Scanning Behavior and Pupil Diameter Changes

Abstract

This exploratory study investigated the performance, the eye scanning behavior and the pupil diameter of three VDT operators (experienced typists) on three different days for three hours each day. A Gulf & Western, Applied Science Laboratory 1998 computer controlled eye monitor system was used to collect and analyze the eye scanning and pupil diameter data. A data entry task and a file maintenance/editing task (previously developed and used by NIOSH) were used. The results of this exploratory study indicate that the percentage of time the VDT operators look at the screen are rather low for both tasks (avg. 14.4% looking at the screen for the data entry task, avg. 34.1% looking at the screen for the file maintenance/editing task). Based upon the results of this exploratory study we may conclude that the percentage of time an operator looks at the screen for both a data entry and a file maintenance/editing task is relatively small and thus there is a question whether the many reported complaints about eye troubles such as eye strain, eye pain, and irritated eyes are really caused by the screen itself or are actually due to highly rigid and monotonous job tasks, the overall VDT work station design, postural, environmental, psychological, and social factors.