Visual Function Abnormality Among Light-on Test Workers in TFT-LCD Industries: A 3-year Longitudinal Study

Abstract

PP-30-199 Background/Aims: To ensure the display of quality of liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, the light-on test workers should look at screens and are exposed to flickering in clean rooms for long working hours. The aim of this study was to evaluate the visual influence among the light-on test operators. Methods: In 2005, we conducted a cross-sectional study to collect the results of annual ophthalmic survey of light-on test workers of a thin film transistor LCDcompany in southern Taiwan. In addition, all the participants fulfill a questionnaire about ophthalmic symptoms. The questionnaire included demographic data, previous eye disease, and self-reported ophthalmic symptoms. The 51 light-on test workers who received the same examination in 2001 and 2004 were recruited as longitudinal study population. We calculated the prevalence of eye discomfort syndrome and compared the abnormality rate of ophthalmic test between 2001 and 2004. Results: The overall prevalence of eye discomfort was 66.1% among the light-on test workers. The major self-reported eye discomfort symptoms were eye dryness, eye itching, and red eyes. The prevalence of blurred vision at near distance, double vision, and increase discharge were significantly higher in LCD light-on test stations than in LCM light-on test stations. Ophthalmic test showed there were 174 workers (16.9%) had tear secretion dysfunction and 13.6% of subjects had visual discrimination dysfunction. The visual discrimination dysfunction was significantly higher in LCM Light-on test stations than in LCD light-on test stations. In addition, contact lens use was a potential predictor for chronic conjunctivitis. The results of 3-year longitudinal study showed the employment duration, and wearing contact lens during work; work stations did not relate to the abnormality of visual function among 51 light-on test workers. Conclusion: The 3-year follow up results showed no influence on the visual function, and further follow-up to evaluate the long-term health effects of the light-on test is necessary.