Prevalence of Asthenopia among computer users in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: A cross-sectional survey of 560 computer users in Enugu urban, Enugu State was conducted between August and December 2002.The prevalence of asthenopic symptoms and risk factors to the occurrence of asthenopia were determined. Method: Interview was done using structured, pre-tested, interviewer- administered questionnaire. Subjects were examined with Snellen's chart to measure distance visual acuity, jaegers reading chart for near acuity, pen torch for anterior segment examination, direct ophthalmoscope for fundoscopy, streak retinoscope for refraction and metre tape for distance between the screen and the subject Result: Out of 560 subjects interviewed and examined 401 (71.6%) had asthenopic symptoms. Headache was the most common symptom occurring in 35% of the subjects. Tearing was seen in 27.1%, ocular discomfort or pains accounted for 26.6%. Some subjects had more than one symptom. Presence of ametropia was found to be significantly related to the occurrence of asthenopia (P=0.0), as also the female gender compared to the males, P=0.0000007. Distance of operators to their monitors, age of operators and the use of screen filters did not seem to significantly influence occurrence of asthenopia (P= 0.71, P=0.55 and P=0.39 respectively). Majority of the subjects (96%) had good vision (VA of 6/6- 6/18). Conclusion: Presence of ametropia is related to occurrence of asthenopia. Correction of existing ametropia would contribute to visual comfort of computer (vdt) users. Pre- employment and regular ocular examination should be made accessible to those who make regular and long use of computers. Keywords: Asthenopia, Computer users, Nigeria. Orient Journal of Medicine Vol. 19 (1-4) 2007: pp. 43-48