Computer Terminal Research Articles

Recovery of dopaminergic amacrine cells after strobe light stimulation in the developing rat retina

Concerns regarding the impact of strobe light on human health and life have recently been raised. Sources of strobe light include visual display terminals, light-emitting diodes, and computer monitors. Strobe light exposure leads to visual discomfort, headaches, and poor visual performance and affects the number of dopaminergic amacrine cells (DACs) in the developing retina, as well as retinal dopamine levels in animals. DACs serve as the sole source of retinal dopamine, and dopamine release from the retina is activated by light exposure following a circadian rhythm. Using a Sprague-Dawley rat model, this study sought to determine whether changes in DACs caused by strobe light are recoverable after ceasing strobe light exposure during retinal development. From eye opening (postnatal 2 weeks), rats in the control group were reared under normal light (an unflickering 150 lux incandescent lamp with a 12 h light/dark cycle), whereas those in the experimental group (i.e., strobe-recovery group) were reared under strobe light (2 Hz for 12 h/day) exposure for 2 weeks. After postnatal week 4, normal light was provided to all animals to observe the reversibility of the effect of strobe light. Immunohistochemistry and immunoblot analysis for the rate limiting enzyme for dopamine synthesis, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), as well as high-pressure liquid chromatography for measuring dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were performed at postnatal weeks 4, 6, 8, and 10. The number of type I and type II TH-immunoreactive (TH-IR) cells across the entire retina was counted to evaluate whether changes in DACs induced by strobe light could recover after ceasing strobe light exposure. The number of type I TH-IR cells slightly decreased but remained at a constant level in the control group. In contrast, the number of type I TH-IR cells rapidly decreased up to postnatal week 6, but then increased after postnatal week 8 in the strobe-recovery group. Subsequently, the number of type I TH-IR cells eventually reached a number similar to that in the control group. In addition, the number of intermediate-sized TH-IR cells were increased at postnatal weeks 8 and 10 and the dopamine level was decreased at postnatal week 8 in the strobe-recovery group. However, the levels of DOPAC and TH proteins did not differ between the two groups. This suggests that changes in DACs caused by strobe light are reversible and that type II TH-IR cells may play a key role in this recovery.

Video display terminal use and limitations according to italian legislative decree: occupational and forensic perspective.

In this paper, the authors conduct a review inherent in the use of video display units considering the laws currently in force in Italy, with emphasis on critical legislative and operational issues. Video Display Terminal (VDTs) are today an essential element in almost all work environments, from offices where they represent the fundamental work tool to production environments where they are indispensable for carrying out control functions (command stations, quantity management and flows, etc.) or for design work. The risk due to VDTs is one of the factors considered by the Italian Legislative Decree 81/08, so its assessment is part of the employer's obligations and at the same time requires health surveillance by the occupational physician. The new workstations have certainly not reduced visual postural demands, but they have changed them, opening the door to new disor-ders and imposing greater flexibility on the activity of the occupational physician, who often cannot limit himself to an annual inspection of the workplace. The aim of this work is to examine the current critical issues and future prospects of ergophthalmology.

Image retargeting quality assessment: A survey

With the increasing variety of display devices, image retargeting has become an indispensable technology for adjusting the aspect ratio of images to adapt to different display terminals. Since the retargeting operation would cause geometric distortion and content loss of the image, the image retargeting quality assessment (IRQA) is necessary to guide the retargeting algorithm’s optimization, selection, and design. Our paper mainly works for systematically reviewing the state-of-the-art technologies in IRQA. And then, this paper further discusses image registration algorithms for matching the original image and the retargeted image. Next, we investigate the feature measurement methods for image retargeting quality evaluation. To facilitate the quantitative assessment of the IRQA methods, this paper gives a list of publicly open datasets and the performance of the mainstream methods. Finally, some promising research directions towards IRQA are pointed out. From this survey, engineers from the industry may find skills to improve their image retargeting systems, and researchers from academia may find ideas to conduct some innovative work.

Meibomian gland secretion quality association with ocular parameters in university students during COVID- 19 restrictions

PurposeTo determine if the Meibomian Gland (MG) secretion quality is associated with symptoms of ocular discomfort, hours of Video Display Terminals (VDT) use, eyelid margin abnormalities, conjunctival hyperemia, and Meibomian Gland Loss Area (MGLA) in a sample of university students.MethodsAn online survey that included an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and an extra question about hours of VDT use recruited an initial sample of 183 participants. Only 120 participants that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were scheduled for a battery of ocular surface and MG specific exam. The tests include: 1) meibometry, 2) slit lamp exploration of eyelid margin abnormalities (irregularity, hyperemia and MG orifices plugging), MG secretion quality and conjunctival hyperemia, and 3) Meibography.ResultsSignificant positive correlations between the MG secretion quality and eyelid margin hyperemia, MG orifices plugging, MGLA, nasal conjunctival hyperemia, and temporal conjunctival hyperemia (Spearman Rho; all r>0.186, p<0.042) were found. Multivariate regression found association between OSDI with hours of VDT use (B=0.316, p=0.007), and eyelid hyperemia (B=0.434, p≤ 0.001). A statistical association between MG secretion quality and eyelid margin hyperemia, MG orifices plugging, MGLA and conjunctival hyperemia (Fisher’s exact; all p<0.039) were found. Multivariate regression found association between MG secretion quality with MG orifices plugging (B=0.295, p=0.004) and meibometry (B=-0.001, p=0.029).ConclusionParticipants with higher values in MG secretion quality have higher values in eyelid margin hyperemia, MG plugging, MGLA, and conjunctival hyperemia. No direct relationship between MG secretion quality and hours of VDT use or OSDI were found.

Relationship between the Use of Video Terminals and Dry Eye Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Assessments Based on a Meta-Analytical Approach

Purpose: The objective of this meta-analytical study is to consider the impact of the use of VDTs on the onset and/or worsening of the signs and symptoms of dry eye during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to offer the best solutions to perform the various tasks in daily life in order to safeguard vision, with the aim of promoting a lifestyle that allows you to work and perform different activities more safely and efficiently. Patients should be encouraged to follow proper planning of visits. Methods: Scientific articles chosen by the following inclusion criteria were analyzed: 1) Type of study (Primary); 2) Population (patients suffering from dry eye); 3) Study period (all studies carried out in the period between January 2020 and January 2022); 4) Result variables (correlation between increased use of VDTs during the pandemic and worsening of the symptoms of dry eye syndrome; correlation between autoimmune mechanism from Covid- 19 and etiology of dry eye); 5) Language (English). Results: The results of the various cross-sectional studies, obtained thanks to the administration of an online and anonymous questionnaire, have found a correlation between excessive use of VDTs and the onset of complications related to dry eye syndrome. The results suggest that in university students there is a higher incidence of problems related to dry eyes following the many hours spent in front of a screen to follow the lessons that were proposed to them remotely during the lockdown following the COVID-19 pandemic. Dry eye is the most commonly diagnosed pathology among eye disorders during the lockdown, as people spent much more time locked in the house, even 20-24h in the first months of lockdown in 2020. Conclusions: In conclusion, the analysis of the data shows a correlation between prolonged use of VDTs (exacerbated during the COVID-19 era) and the onset or worsening of dry eye syndrome.

Assessment of dry eye in pediatric population along with ocular surface disorder and visual display terminal

Background: Dry eye is a disease condition wherein the ocular surface is either not uniformly or not completely lubricated by tear film. Dry eye is less prevalent in children, but if observed it may be a manifestation of conditions like Steven Jonson syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, blepharitis, MGD or VKC. Therefore, evaluation of dry eye may aid in effective and timely treatment of other life-threatening diseases in children. Aim of current study was determination of dry eye in pediatrics and to investigate its association with ocular surface disorders like MGD, VKC and VDT.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 400 patients. All patients were screened for OSDI and patients having index score &gt;11 were investigated for dry eye disease, based on inter blink interval and tear-film breakup time determined using slit lamp and through Schirmer’s test. Dry eye patients were further investigated to determine type and causative factors for dry eye.Results: 25 patients exhibited bilateral dry eye with &gt;12 score. Children of age group 7-18 years were commonly affected. Diseases commonly observed to be associated with dry eye in children were VKC, MGD, or visual display terminal caused due to over use of smart phone and digital screen.Conclusions: The evaporative dry eye due to MGD and VDT is more common in pediatric age group in comparison to aqueous deficiency dry eye. Overuse of smart phones, tablets or computers increases the prevalence of dry eye which inturn affect their outdoor activity, studies and over all development of children.

Working Psychosocial Conditions and Health Effects for Video Display Terminals Users in Some Administrative Activities

Abstract Working with video display terminals (VDTs) involves different risk factors, including psychosocial risks, that have been recognized as important causes to employees’ health problems (both mental and physical). This is why one of the employers responsibilities is to change work conditions in order to improve the occupational psychosocial environment of all employees and VDT users as well. This paper aimed to explore how psychosocial and ergonomics aspects of VDT work tasks are related to work related health problems, especially to occupational stress symptoms, as perceived by the employees.

EPH199 Epidemiology of Eye Disorders Due to the Use of Video Display Terminals in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and United Kingdom – A Systematic Literature Review

EPH199 Epidemiology of Eye Disorders Due to the Use of Video Display Terminals in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and United Kingdom – A Systematic Literature Review

Researchers' perception and response to the open access resources (OAR) in higher learning institutions of Tamil Nadu, India

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to report the results of a survey conducted at Bharathidasan and Alagappa Universities to determine the research scholars' awareness, use of Open Access (OA) resources, reasons for using, impact of OA on the research scholars' research, satisfaction and problems faced.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, a self-assessed questionnaire was developed to collect data from the research scholars pursuing their research degrees from Bharathidasan and Alagappa Universities of Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 400 research scholars from various disciplines responded were used for analysis.FindingsThe results indicated that the majority of research scholars aware of few OA resources to a large extent and afraid to redistribute the sources as they fear of copyright issues. Easy to use, more informative and global research at one place were the major reasons for accessing the resources. The research scholars were aware of OA features and OA's impact such as freedom to use, modify, resources available with source code, reliability, self-archiving, quick publishing, more citations etc. Delay in downloading and lack of computer terminals to access the resources were the major issues faced by the research scholars. On the whole, the researchers are considering OA model as an alternative to business model and expect the university librarians to promote and enhance the accessibility of OA resources.Practical implicationsThe outcomes of the results will enable the librarians and authorities in universities to formulate appropriate decisions to remove the issues faced by the research scholars and develop a framework for new literacy instructions.Originality/valueThe study undertaken is new to the Indian continent and the Tami Nadu state in particular. The findings of the study will be useful to improve the awareness level and use of OA resources effectively.

Influence of video display terminal use and meibomian gland dysfunction on the ocular surface and tear neuromediators.

To evaluate the effects of video display terminal (VDT) work and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) on ocular surface parameters, tear cytokine and substance P (SP) levels, and their association with dry eye disease (DED). This cross-sectional study included 60 patients with evaporative DED and 20 healthy individuals. The DED patients were divided into three groups according to daily VDT work time and presence of MGD. The ocular surface and tear film were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire (OSDI), tear film break-up time (TBUT), ocular surface staining, Schirmer II test, and corneal sensitivity. MGD was evaluated with meibography. Corneal nerve alterations were evaluated using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). The tear levels of 30 cytokines and SP were examined. Compared to controls, DED patients had higher OSDI score (p < 0.001), increased corneal staining with fluorescein and lissamine green (p = 0.046, p = 0,038), and lower TBUT (p < 0.001). Tear interleukin-6 levels were higher in DED patients, while tear SP levels did not differ between the groups (p = 0.265). VDT work time showed a weak positive correlation with OSDI (r = 0.274, p = 0.014) and SP level (r = 0.284, p = 0.011). The results of this study show that VDT use and MGD have an adverse effect on the ocular surface. It was also observed that the combination of VDT use and MGD did not significantly increase the ocular surface disease, but longer VDT exposure may be associated with more complaints of ocular discomfort.

New technologies and leisure activities for young people in Dakar: small screens connected to the conflicts between parents and teenagers in pikine

The almost irreversible and encouraged link between connectable computer terminals and playful juvenile occupation raises the issue of parental education in the family environment. The latter is characterized by its narrowness and the almost daily absence of parents, hence the question of the uncontrolled use of tablets and smartphones connected by Middle School students from Pikine. Thanks to qualitative methods and semi-structured interviews with fourteen (14) teenagers and their parents, we discover that fathers and mothers are missing from homes on a daily basis because of work. They give to their offspring these devices and the connection not only to occupy them usefully but also to protect them from the evil temptations of the outside. Free, these young people, devote themselves to video games, sports, music, pornography, etc. offered by different websites. Thus, they idealize and copy bad models taken from the net. Conflicts with parents arise. Sanctions follow and the most painful is the withdrawal of the devices. Â

Computer Vision Syndrome Among Medical and Engineering Students, Rupandehi, Nepal

INTRODUCTIONComputers and laptops have become an integral part of our daily life. We interact with computer screens for minutes to hours depending upon our need, for entertainment or official purposes. Using computers has become a 21st century necessity. The expansion of information technologies in recent decades has resulted in increased use of video display terminals (VDT) in the workplace. The American Optometric Association (AOA) defines Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) as the complex of eye and vision problems related to near work, which are experienced during or related to computer use. CVS is characterised by visual symptoms resulting from interaction with a computer display or its environment. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of computer vision syndrome among medical and engineering students of Rupandehi, Nepal. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross‑sectional study was conducted among final year medical and engineering college students of Universal College of medical sciences and Lumbini Engineering college, Rupandehi, Nepal. Sixty-three students were included in the study based on inclusion/exclusion criteria in one-month period (from 1st September 2020- 30th September 2020. The participants were surveyed using a validated structured questionnaire and the data were analysed using SPSS software version 20.0. RESULTS Out of total 63 respondents (32 medical students and 31 engineering students), more than half (60.32%) were male. Majority of the respondents (73.01%) had ocular symptoms of CVS among medical and engineering students. Among medical and engineering students the most common symptoms were redness, which was present in 51 (80.95%) of the students, followed by foreign body sensation present in 48(76.19%) and itching in 45(71.43%) of the students. CONCLUSION This study concludes that more than half of the students complained of any one of the symptoms of CVS. Although CVS has not been found to cause any permanent damage to the eyes, yet it’s painful symptoms can affect the performance.

Design and Implementation of Online Water Quality Monitoring System

Water quality detection plays an important role in water pollution alarm, water source pollution detection and water source diagnosis and treatment. The online water quality monitoring system based on the Internet of Things technology can monitor the water quality in real time and dynamically, and can serve the strategic requirements of the country for water resources. Currently, the water quality on-line monitoring system is mainly composed of upper computer system and lower base station in domestic researches. This mode of construction has deficiencies such as lack of channel diversity, large investment in communication network, and insufficient capacity of data. Aiming at these problems, this study attempts to use LoRa network technology, cloud architecture combined with water quality monitoring sensors to build a low cost and high reliable water quality monitoring system. Indexes of water quality are collected by intelligent sensors, and are transmitted to cloud server through LoRa network. They can be intelligently analysed by the technology of big data. The system includes both mobile and computer terminals. Indexes of water quality can be monitored timely and accurately by the system, which can further enhance the omnidirectional intelligent management of rivers. By case analysis to verify that the system has certain value of promotion and application.

Dynamic termination of computations in computer vision systems

Subject of study. Two classes of dynamically configurable computer vision systems trained using reinforcement learning algorithms were considered. The first class of models comprises models of visual attention that recognize images by successively viewing their fragments. The second class of models comprises least action classifiers that analyze images indirectly by successively calling pretrained convolutional neural networks. Aim of study. This study investigated the possibility of adding actions to the system for termination of computations so that the models spend more resources on analysis of complex images than on analysis of simpler images. Method. A stop network for termination of computations that receives a hidden state vector of the system at its input and returns a signal to stop or continue computations was added to the investigated architectures. Three-stage curriculum training of the individual network modules was used, and the obtained strategies of image viewing and classifier selection were analyzed. Main results. The proposed model of visual attention with dynamic termination of computations significantly surpassed the existing solutions in terms of accuracy in the recognition of images in the MNIST database and average number of image fragments intelligible to the agent. The importance of curriculum learning was demonstrated. The agent’s use of a similar attention control strategy for different images with adaptations to specific images was demonstrated. A similar effect was observed for a common model of visual attention trained using ImageNet. The dynamic termination of computation for least action classifiers also reduced the average number of actions required for image analysis at a specified recognition accuracy. However, the increase in effectiveness in this case was less prominent. Practical significance. The methods of visual attention developed in this study can be advantageous for designing optoelectronic systems with intelligent control of a camera with a narrow-field lens for target recognition. The technology used in the least action classifiers can be applied to reduce computations in solutions obtained by the Bagging algorithm that averages several models.

Dry eye disease survey among schoolteachers and children using visual display terminals during COVID-19 lockdown-CODE study (Covid and dry eye study)

BackgroundLockdown during COVID-19 led to teachers and children shifting to online classes, using visual display terminals (VDTs) for education, resulting in increased screen time. The present study was done to assess and understand the nature and magnitude of the problem and to suggest preventive or remedial measures. MethodsA questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted. The questionnaire was prepared for an online survey (using Google Forms) and circulated among school children belonging to different schools across India using multiple groups on social media. ResultsA total of 3327 participants from 46 schools across India participated in the survey. We found a marked rise in cumulative screen time for both teachers and students before and during the lockdown. There was a threefold increase in the number of participants with a cumulative screen time 6 h or more compared to the pre-COVID era. Teachers (older participants) had worse symptom scores than students. Larger screens, like televisions, were better VDTs compared to smartphones, tablets, or laptops. ConclusionsSchool administrators and policymakers should pay due attention to institutionalizing the guidelines about class duration, appropriate screens, and stipulating break duration during online classes, which will continue to remain the predominant mode of education for teachers and students alike, at least in the near future.

Investigation and Analysis of Eye Discomfort Caused by Video Display Terminal Use Among Medical Students Studying at High-Altitude Regions.

ObjectiveTo investigate the use of video display terminal (VDT) in high-altitude regions by medical students and the resulted risk factors of eye discomfort.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 686 medical students randomly selected from high-altitude regions, Kunming, Yunnan Province. The prevalence of video display terminal syndrome (VDTs) and related risk factors in medical students were analyzed by instructing students to fill in the eye discomfort symptom questionnaire [Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scale].ResultsThere were 686 participants in this study, including 213 males (31.0%) and 473 females (69.0%). The results of questionnaire survey showed that 184 patients (26.8%) didn't have eye discomfort symptoms and 502 patients (73.2%) had eye discomfort symptoms. The comparison of demographic and ocular characteristics of eye discomfort symptoms group and no eye discomfort symptoms group showed that medical students in the group with ocular discomfort symptoms had longer total duration of video terminal use, longer duration of each VDT use, higher total scores of ocular discomfort symptom scores, and a higher percentage of the ocular discomfort severity group, all with statistically significant differences. There was no significant difference in the remaining parameters between the two groups of participants. The results of multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that the relationship between total sleep time, total duration of VDT use and eye discomfort symptom score was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Besides, ordinal logistic regression was applied further to investigate related factors of the severity of eye discomfort. The model demonstrated that total sleep duration and total VDT using duration were significantly associated with the severity of eye discomfort symptom (P < 0.05).The severity of eye discomfort symptom was significantly negatively related to the increased total sleep duration and it was significantly positively related to the increased VDT use duration.ConclusionThe prevalence of VDTs is high in medical students at high-altitude regions. The longer total duration of daily use of VDT and shorter sleep duration are risk factors associated with VDTs. The severity of eye discomfort symptom was significantly negatively related to the increased total sleep duration and it was significantly positively related to the increased total VDT using duration.

Gender Differences in Insomnia and Role of Work Characteristics and Family Responsibilities Among Healthcare Workers in Taiwanese Tertiary Hospitals.

BackgroundInsomnia is common among healthcare workers (HCWs), especially those working in tertiary hospitals. This study aimed to clarify whether gender differences in insomnia could be explained by gender differences in work characteristics and family responsibilities among HCWs in tertiary hospitals in Taiwan.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 22 departments of two tertiary hospitals in Northern Taiwan from December 2018 to March 2019. All data were obtained by a self-administered questionnaire given when participants underwent annual health check-ups. Insomnia was evaluated using the Chinese Athens Insomnia Scale. Work characteristics and family responsibilities were as follows: department, working hours, shift work, visual display terminals used at work, demand-control-support model, burnout level, breadwinner status, living conditions, and caregiver status. Data of 2,811 participants (317 men, 11.3%; 2,494 women, 88.7%) were analyzed (response rate: men, 85%; women, 88%). Logistic regression analysis examined howwork characteristics and family responsibilities explained gender differences in insomnia.ResultsThe prevalence of insomnia in women (61.7%) was significantly higher than that in men (52.7%), and gender differences strengthened after adjusting for work characteristics and family responsibilities [odds ratio: 1.45 (1.11–1.90) and 1.62 (1.18–2.22), p < 0.01]. Stratified analyses revealed that significant gender differences were found among HCWs with comparatively unfavorable work and family conditions. Furthermore, women had a higher association of insomnia owing to these factors.ConclusionThese results suggest that gender differences in insomnia among HCWs are mainly explained by gender differences in work characteristics and family responsibilities.

Prevalence of dry eye disease among Chinese high school students during the COVID-19 outbreak

PurposeThe study aimed to investigate the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) and relevant risk factors among Chinese high school students during the COVID-19 outbreak.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2020, and 4825 high school students from nine high schools in Shanghai were recruited. All students completed ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and perceived stress scale (PSS) questionnaires and answered other questions designed to ascertain information on the risk factors related to DED. DED was diagnosed when OSDI scores were greater than or equal to 13. The prevalence of symptomatic DED was determined. A T-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis were used to examine the possible risk factors.ResultsThe prevalence of symptomatic DED among Chinese high school students was 70.5%. In univariate analysis, higher PSS scores (P<0.001), prolonged video display terminal (VDT) use (P<0.001), wearing contact lenses (P=0.001), poor sleep quality (P<0.001), and being female (P<0.001) were significantly correlated with dry eyes. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, higher PSS scores (P<0.001, OR=1.20), prolonged VDT use (P<0.001, OR=1.07), poor sleep quality (P<0.001, OR=1.84), and being female (P=0.001, OR=1.25) were significant risk factors associated with DED.ConclusionsDue to the epidemic, most Chinese high school students are in a high-risk environment in which they are more likely to suffer from DED, such as long online courses and heavy stress from school. Relevant preventive measures that may have a positive impact on public health and quality of life for high school students should be brought to the forefront.

Wearing face masks and possibility for dry eye during the COVID-19 pandemic

This population-based observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive survey was to investigate the relationship of increased face mask usage in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) era with mask-associated dry eye (MADE). Participants aged 6–79 years old with formal school education were selected. All participants finished the 19-item questionnaire online, distributed through different social media platforms. From 6925 participants who submitted eligible questionnaires, MADE was reported in 547 participants, which included 419 participants who developed new dry eye symptoms after wearing face masks and 128 participants whose pre-existing dry eye symptoms worsened with mask wearing. Longer time of face mask wearing, nonstandard wearing of face masks, reduced outdoor time, decreased daily reading time, shortened visual display terminals time, and dry environment were positively associated with MADE. There were significant associations between perceived MADE and age, female sex, education, use of glasses and contact lenses, and pre-existing dry eye. MADE was more common in adults aged > 20 years than those aged ≤ 20 years or juveniles. MADE incidence increased. Standard wearing of face masks was suggested as a protective factor for MADE. Awareness about the possible risk of MADE should also be created and the clinical dry eye signs should be verified.Clinical trial registration number: NCT04744805.

Immediate Ocular Changes After Light-Emitting Diode Displays Exposure-A Preliminary Study.

PurposeComputer vision syndrome (CVS) is one of the most frequently encountered problems among video display terminals (VDT) users, but little is known regarding the short-term effect after exposure to light-emitting diodes (LED). The purpose of this study was to determine if short-term exposure to LED leads to changes in corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), lipid layer thickness (LLT), blink rates, partial blink ratio, and computer vision syndrome questionnaire (CVS-Q) score.DesignProspective, cross-sectional study.MethodsIn this study, participants were recruited at the National Cheng-Kung University Hospital, a tertiary referral center in southern Taiwan, for examination. Participants were asked to complete the CVS-Q and undergo a series of ocular examinations, including CDVA, LLT, blink rates and partial blink ratio before and after watching an LED display for 15 min. Main Outcome Measures were changes in CDVA, LLT, blink rates, partial blink ratio, and CVS-Q measurements.ResultsIn total, 120 eyes from 60 participants (mean age: 35.7 ± 9.4 years) were included; 31 participants were men (51.7%), and 29 were women (48.3%). The CDVA, LLT, blink rates, and partial blink ratio did not change after watching the LED display. The CVS-Q score significantly improved after short-term LED exposure (P < 0.001). A subgroup analysis of subjects with a baseline LLT of <60 nm or ≥60 nm determined that LLT significantly decreased in individuals with a baseline LLT of ≥60 nm (P = 0.016).ConclusionShort-term use of LED displays reduced LLT in individuals with a baseline LLT of ≥60 nm, despite the visual symptoms of CVS improved subjectively. Therefore, digital device users should be aware of the potential negative effects of LED exposure on the eyes.