Visual Display Terminal Users Research Articles

Dry Eyes among Visual Display Terminal Users Visiting the Outpatient Department of Ophthalmology of a Tertiary Care Centre.

Visual display terminal usage has increased substantially in recent years across all age groups and is considered one of the major risk factors for dry eye disease. Early assesment of dry eyes and prevention is important. The aim of this study is to find the prevalence of dry eyes among visual display terminal users visiting the Outpatient Department of Ophthalmology of a tertiary care centre. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients visiting the Department of Ophthalmology in a tertiary care centre after receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Data was collected from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 90% Confidence Interval. Among 94 visual display terminal users, the prevalence of dry eyes was 55 (58.51%) (50.18-66.84, 90% Confidence Interval). The prevalence of dry eyes among visual display terminal users visiting the Outpatient Department of Ophthalmology was similar to other studies done in similar settings. dry eyes; health; prevalence.

Evaluation of Prevalence and Associated Factors of Dry Eye Syndrome among Medical Students Exposed to Visual Display Terminal in Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia

Introduction: Dry eye syndrome (DES) has become a public health concern, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical students are at risk due to an increase in visual display terminal (VDT) exposure given the transition to full-time online lectures. The presence of reduced blink rate and tear film instability in VDT users causes an increase in tear evaporation leading to symptoms of DES. This study helps us to learn about the associated factors of VDT use and DES among the young generation. This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors of DES among medical students exposed to VDT at the health campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 140 undergraduate medical students aged 22 to 29 years old who were VDT users. Factors analysed are age, gender, race and duration of VDT usage. Data collection included both subjective assessment (OSDI questionnaire) and objective assessment (TBUT and Schirmer’s test). Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS Inc Version 24). Results were analysed using descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Most of the medical student cohort was female and Malay. Most of the students use VDT for less than 8 hours. A high incidence of DES was noted among medical students (92.1%). None of the factors showed significant association with positive findings DES by subjective and objective assessment and duration of VDT usage. Conclusion: DES is common among VDT users. This study showed a high prevalence of DES among medical students in USM. The factors analysed did not show a significant association between DES and duration of VDT usage. This study may help to recognize the problem and will raise awareness of their daily practice and implement preventive measures to avoid VDT-related DES.

Comparison of mucin levels at the ocular surface of visual display terminal users with and without dry eye disease

BackgroundThe long-term use of visual display terminals (VDT) is linked to an increased risk of dry eye disease (DED). Numerous studies have indicated that ocular mucins play a vital role in the pathogenesis of DED. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate (1) whether mRNA levels of membrane-associated mucins (MAMs), including MUC1, MUC4, MUC16, and MUC20, as well as MUC5AC are altered in conjunctival cells of VDT users with and without DED and (2) the relationship between mucin levels and subjective and objective tests of DED in VDT users.MethodsSeventy-nine VDT users were enrolled and divided into DED (n = 53) and control (n = 26) groups. All participants were evaluated for parameters of DED using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, tear breakup time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), lissamine green (LG) staining, and tear meniscus height (TMH). Based on the conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) method, differences in MUC1, MUC4, MUC16, MUC20, and MUC5AC mRNA expression levels were observed between the DED and control groups, and between symptomatic and asymptomatic participants.ResultsThe DED group showed significantly decreased MUC1, MUC16, and MUC20 expressions (all P < 0.05) compared to the control group. In addition, these mucin levels were lower in subjects with frequent ocular symptoms (foreign body sensation, blurred vision and painful or sore eyes) than in asymptomatic participants (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that MUC1, MUC16, and MUC20 levels in VDT users were positively correlated with TBUT or TMH, or both. However, no significant relationship was found between MUC4 and MUC5AC levels and the DED parameters.ConclusionVDT users with an increased frequency of ocular discomfort or a diagnosis of DED had a decreased MUC1, MUC16 and MUC20 mRNA expression in their conjunctival cells. MAMs deficiency in the conjunctival epithelium may be one of the mechanisms leading to tear film instability and DED in VDT users.

Risk Factors Affecting Dry Eye Symptoms among Visual Display Terminal Users

Introduction: Dry eye symptoms are the common ocular complaints that are found at the ophthalmologic outpatient services. This research’s main purposes were to study the risk factors associated with dry eye symptoms and to evaluate the severity of dry eye among Visual Display Terminal (VDT) users. Methods: This study was a descriptive observational study involving 104 VDT users in 3 branches of the Social Security Offices and the Bureau of Labor Protection and Welfare in Samutprakarn province, Thailand. The study instruments used were: (1) questionnaires associated with VDT use and dry eye symptoms that were evaluated by using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and (2) Lux meter for desk-brightness and the angle of gaze measurement during VDT use. Data were analyzed using a Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. Results: The results found that VDT users had severe dry eye symptoms, accounting for 51.9%, and experienced moderate and mild dry eye symptoms in the same number, which was 24.0%. In addition, dry eye symptoms were related to VDT use for 5-7 hours/day with statistically significant value. Other VDT use factors, including the desk-brightness or the angle of gaze during VDT use, were related to severe dry eye symptoms with no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Based on the findings, VDT users should use VDT no more than 5 hours/day in order to reduce VDT-related dry eye symptoms. these factors were not statistically significant for the occurrence of severe dry eye symptoms.

Effects of a Traction Device for Head Weight Reduction and Neutral Alignment during Sedentary Visual Display Terminal (VDT) Work on Postural Alignment, Muscle Properties, Hemodynamics, Preference, and Working Memory Performance.

The forward head posture of visual display terminal (VDT) users induces various physical and cognitive clinical symptoms. However, few studies have been conducted to identify and solve problems associated with VDT posture. This study aimed to examine the adverse effects of VDT posture and the positive effects of traction-combined workstations by measuring postural alignment, muscle properties, blood velocity, preference, and working memory. Thirty-four healthy VDT users (18 males and 16 females aged 20-30 years) participated in the experiment at three workstations, including conventional (VDT_C), head support (VDT_S), and upright (VDT_U) workstations. They conducted 2-back working memory task. The craniovertebral angle (CVA), muscle tone and stiffness, blood velocity and visual analogue discomfort scale (VADS) were measured to examine the influence of workstations. VDT_C showed increased muscle tone or stiffness in the levator scapulae (LS), suboccipital muscle (SM), and sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) and an increased reaction time (RT) in working memory. However, VDT_S showed decreased stiffness and tone of SM and improved comfort. In addition, VDT_U showed decreased stiffness or tone of the LS and SCM and improved blood velocity and RT. In conclusion, maintaining neutral alignment significantly improved working memory performance, muscle properties, and blood velocity.

Umor očiju korisnika terminala za videoprikaz i njegov odnos s poremećajima spavanja

Visual display terminal (VDT) work has become a major part of operation in majority of workplace. This study aimed to eye fatigue in video display terminal users and its relation to sleep disorders. This cross-sectional study was done on 209 computer users who work more than one year in this field. All participants completed a questionnaire about their age, sex, BMI, years of experience, and hours of daily computer use. A standardized visual fatigue questionnaire was used for detection presence and severity of eye strain. Sleep quality was used to assess Pittsburg Sleep Quality Questionnaire (PSQI) , and the Epworth Sleepiness Questionnaire (ESS) to assess daytime sleepiness in participants. Insomnia was assessed by Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The most common eye symptoms including eye fatigue (65.5%), eyelid heaviness sensation (69.4%), eye irritation (67.2%), dry eye (67.8%), blurred vision (68.5%), and tearing (68.1%) were significantly higher in participants who were working more than 8 hours with DVT in day. There was a significant correlation between scores of eye fatigue and insomnia severity (Rho=0.32, P&lt;0.05). According to results, the prevalence of eye symptoms particularly eyelid heaviness sensation and blurred vision was high. However, eye fatigue was more affected insomnia severity in VDT users. Therefore, it is needed to protect computer users from the adverse effects of VDT. Implementing proper ergonomic programs to the workplace are important for achievement to good physical and mental health among VDT users.

Computer vision syndrome, musculoskeletal, and stress-related problems among visual display terminal users in Nepal.

BackgroundThe use of computers and other Visual Display Terminal (VDT) screens is increasing in Nepal. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and other occupational health concerns among employees working in front of VDT screens in the Nepalese population.ObjectivesThis study aims to estimate the prevalence of CVS, musculoskeletal and work-related stress among VDT screen users in the office, as well as their understanding and usage of preventive measures.MethodsThe study was a cross-sectional descriptive study among 319 VDT users in office settings in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal, using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the associated factors at 95% CI. P-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsThe prevalence of CVS was 89.4%. More than eight out of ten study participants reported at least one visual and musculoskeletal symptom. Work-related stress, which was moderate-difficult to handle, was present in 36.7% of the study population. The mean±SD computer usage per day was 7.9±1.9 hours. Tired eye (63.3%), feeling of dry eye (57.8%), headache (56.9%) were the common visual symptoms of CVS reported. Total computer use/day > = 8 hours OR 2.6, improper viewing distance OR 3.2, Not using an anti-glare screen OR 2.6, not using eye-drops, and not wearing protective goggles OR 3.1 were significantly associated with the presence of CVS. There was no statistically significant association between visual symptoms of CVS, musculoskeletal symptoms, and stress with gender.ConclusionCVS was substantially related to not employing preventive measures, working longer hours, and having an incorrect viewing distance. With more hours per day spent in front of a VDT screen, work-related stress and musculoskeletal complaints were also found to be important correlates. Similarly, work-related stress was found more among those who had less than five years of job.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Dry Eye Disease at a Tertiary Care Centre in Haryana, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease which causes ocular discomfort and visual disturbances. It is one of the major causes of patients’ visit to the clinic. The prevalence of DED has increased in recent times due to increased time spent on computers and mobile phones, ageing population and highly stressful social environment. Various studies done in past on DED prevalence have given the variable results. Aim: To determine the prevalence of DED and analyse the associated risk factors in a tertiary care centre in Sonepat, Haryana, India. Materials and Methods: Present study was a cross-sectional observational study done in outpatient Department of Ophthalmology at Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women, Sonepat, Haryana, India, from April 2021 to December 2021. Total 820 patients, aged &gt;18 years were administered Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. Patients with OSDI score &gt;12 and positive one or both of the dry eye objective tests of Schirmer’s and Tear film Break Up Time (TBUT) below cut-off value were labeled as DED and were evaluated for association with various risk factors. Data were statistically analysed by Chi-square test, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher’s exact test. Results: The mean age of patients were 39.65±15.52 years ranging between 18-79 years. DED was found to be more prevalent in females 120 (56.1%) compared to males 94 (43.9%). The prevalence of DED was 26.1% (214/820). Maximum prevalence was found in the age group 18-40 years (43.9%). Out of the 214 DED patients, 113 (52.8%) had mild, 95 (44.4%) had moderate and 6 (2.8%) had severe dry eye. The risk factors significantly associated (p&lt;0.05) with DED were: more than 3.71 hours of Visual Display Terminal (VDT) use, occupational VDT users, homemakers, previous ocular surgery, uncorrected refractive error, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), alcohol intake and mask use. Conclusion: DED is a significant cause of ocular morbidity, affecting more than quarter (26.1%) of the study population. Awareness and identification of risk factors for dry eye which are occupational VDT users, previous ocular surgery, uncorrected refractive error, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, COPD, alcohol intake and mask use is important for effective prevention and management of DED.

Efficacy of blink software in improving the blink rate and dry eye symptoms in visual display terminal users - A single-blinded randomized control trial.

Purpose:Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease, more prevalent among visual display terminal users. Reduced blink rate is a risk factor to dry eye disorder, innovative means to remind to blink while using computers can be helpful.Methods:Single-blinded Randomized Control Trial enrolled computer users with dry eye. Allocation concealment was done using opaque envelope and principal investigator was blinded. After baseline examination, eligible participants were randomized to intervention group (appearance of bars is 8 times/min) and control group (appearance of bars is 1 time/min). Participants from both groups used the software for 15 days, came for first follow up, and did not use the software for next 15 days until second follow-up examination. During each visit, detailed eye examination was done including blink rate, tear film break up time, and Ocular Surface Disease Index score.Results:Forty-six participants (women n = 31; men n = 15) with a mean age of 28.02 (±6.295) years completed the study. Four participants were excluded from analysis because of early dropout. In the intervention group (n = 23) and control group (n = 23), participants were allocated. At the end of first phase, there was statistically significant difference in OSDI score (P = 0.021). Statistically significant difference was noticed in OSDI (P = 0.014) and blink rate (P = 0.049) as baseline, and final visit data were compared.Conclusion:“Blink–Blink” software with 8 reminders/min improved DED-related symptoms by increasing the blink rate. The carry-over effect after cessation of Blink-Blink software in improving blink rate was maintained even after 1 month.Trial Registration: Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI): CTRI/2018/08/015176

Five-year Survey of Personal Computer Work by the Staff of a Teacher Training University and Affiliated Schools

Objective: Occupational research relevant to visual display terminal (VDT) work is expanding on a global scale. To date, examination of possible occupational health-related issues has been insufficient. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal survey (2007-2011) at a teacher training university, investigating various kinds of problematic VDT work, revealing the relationships between occupational and environmental factors (work content, workplace, and working posture) and ocular and musculoskeletal symptoms. Results: Whereas symptoms varied somewhat for men and women who were VDT users, “stooping posture” and “work time (≥ 6 hours)” were the causes of symptoms of “eye fatigue” for both sexes. We identified numerous other sex-specific symptoms as well. Conclusions: These results contribute to improvement of teachers’ occupational and environmental health and offer direction for pre-work education.

Effect of warming eyelids on tear film stability and quality of life in visual display terminal users: a randomized controlled trial

We aimed to evaluate the effect of warming eyelids on tear-film stability and quality of life (QoL) in video display terminal (VDT) users. A prospective study was conducted and 45 volunteers with ocular symptoms and tear-film instability associated with VDT use were randomly allocated into the study (n = 22) or control groups (n = 23). Subjects in the study group used eyelid warming steamer (EWS) for 2 weeks and tear fluorescein breakup time (TBUT) after single and 2-week EWS treatment, Schirmer I test, ocular surface staining scores, meibomian gland assessment, severity of dry eye disease (DED) and QoL scores after 2-week EWS treatment were analysed. The TBUT improved after both single and 2-week EWS treatment (P = 0.023 and 0.027, respectively) in the study group. The ocular surface staining scores were significantly decreased only in the study group (P = 0.038). About 60% DED patients in the study group shifted towards non-DED and the pattern of distribution was significantly different compared to baseline (P < 0.001). The QoL scores significantly improved in the study group (P = 0.002) with a negative correlation with TBUT. In conclusion, in VDT users with short TBUT, eyelid warming steamer is effective in improving tear-film stability and QoL.

How Optimal is The Visual Display Terminal (VDT) Work Station at The Public Health Faculty, Universitas Airlangga

Introduction: The academic and student affairs department in the administration room of the Faculty of Public Health of Universitas Airlangga works using a Visual Display Terminal (VDT) with a sitting work position that has the potential to cause eye strain and several muscular disorders. This study aimed to describe the work station of VDT users in the administration room of the Public Health Faculty, Universitas Airlangga. Method: This research was an observational research using cross-sectional descriptive design. The population was the users of the VDT in the administration room of the Public Health Faculty, Universitas Airlangga, as many as 11 people. The sample used was total population. Data were collected using an observation sheet and then was analyzed descriptively. Result: The head position of all workers were optimal (100.0%); the majority of workers' visibility was optimal (54.5%); all table heights were optimal (100.0%); most of the elbow angel and keyboard position was not optimal (63.6%); the majority of mouse positions were optimal (54.5%); chair heights were not optimal (100.0%); most of the backrest and waist angle was optimal (72.7%); most of the workers' knee angles were not optimal (81.8%); most of the legroom were optimal (81.8%); all workstations did not have footing and document holders (100.0%), so they were considered not optimal. Conclusion: Most of the elements is considered as optimal, but some elements are not optimal, including elbow angle, the keyboard position, chair height, knee angle, footing, and document holder.Keywords: work station, sitting work position, visual display terminal

Effect of Blink Rate among Visual Display Terminal and Non-Visual Display Terminal User

The ever-increasing use of visual display terminal (VDT) has led to an increase in eye-related symptoms in adults and children. Dry eye occurs can happen due to an inadequate amount of tears or poor quality of tears due to reduced blink rate. Subjects on digital device users are often found to have symptoms but with little evidence to compare with non-visual display terminal users. Mean blink rate in VDT users were found to be lower than non-VDT users. Risk of blink rate getting affected due to VDT use was found to be higher than non-VDT users. Statistical significant differences were found in blink rate of VDT and non-VDT users of different age group. Prevalence of dry eye was found out to be to 44.44 %. It also shows that male were more symptomatic for dry eye compared to female in both the groups of VDT and non-VDT.

Changes in Distribution of Dry Eye Diagnostic Status Among Visual Display Terminal Workers According to the Revised Criteria of the Asia Dry Eye Society.

The present study aimed to compare the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) among visual display terminal users using the revised and previous DED criteria. This cross-sectional study included 561 participants (187 women). The distribution of diagnostic status according to the previous DED criteria was as follows: definite DED (n = 65, 11.6%), probable DED (n = 303, 54.0%), and non-DED (n = 193, 34.4%). According to the revised criteria, 329 participants (58.6%) were classified as DED and 232 participants (41.4%) were classified as non-DED. The prevalence of DED among visual display terminal users has increased to 58.6% from 11.6%, according to the revised DED diagnostic criteria of the Asia Dry Eye Society.

Exploring the impact of external shading system on cognitive task performance, alertness and visual comfort in a daylit workplace environment

The authors examined the effect of external shading system on cognitive performance, alertness and visual comfort of visual display terminal (VDT) users under two realistic office lighting settings in this study. Daylight was the source of illumination being considered as the most significant and preferred one. A total of 26 participants performed visual and cognitive demanding tasks as well as providing subjective alertness, performance and visual evaluations in a full-scale mock-up VDT workstation. Two trials (with and without shading system) were executed during one experimental session. Results revealed that the use of a shading system improves the performance of a user on colour-naming task requiring sustained attention, while no differential effects were observed on tasks involving other cognitive skills such as search velocity and vigilance. Within-subject performance differences were more pronounced during morning hours. Higher performance was reported in some cognitive tests when the subjective sensation of visual discomfort was lower.

Effect of Blink Rate among Visual Display Terminal and Non-Visual Display Terminal User

The ever-increasing use of visual display terminal (VDT) has led to an increase in eye-related symptoms in adults and children. Dry eye occurs can happen due to an inadequate amount of tears or poor quality of tears due to reduced blink rate. Subjects on digital device users are often found to have symptoms but with little evidence to compare with non-visual display terminal users. Mean blink rate in VDT users were found to be lower than non-VDT users. Risk of blink rate getting affected due to VDT use was found to be higher than non-VDT users. Statistical significant differences were found in blink rate of VDT and non-VDT users of different age group. Prevalence of dry eye was found out to be to 44.44 %. It also shows that male were more symptomatic for dry eye compared to female in both the groups of VDT and non-VDT.

Association between tear film break up time and blink interval in visual display terminal users.

To investigate the association between tear film break up time (TBUT) and blinking interval in visual display terminal (VDT) users. Nine hundred and thirty VDT users underwent dry eye testing, and functional visual acuity (FVA) test. The blinking interval during FVA was compared with TBUT. Subjects with longer blinking interval than TBUT were considered as unstable tear film. Logistic regression analysis revealed the risk factors for unstable tear group. Among 930 workers, 858 subjects (92.3%) participated in this study. Almost 80% of the subjects were categorized into the unstable tear group. Unstable tear group has significantly lower Schirmer values and TBUT (17.5±11.6 vs 21.1±11.5 mm, 3.7±2.6 vs 5.7±2.7s, both P<0.001). There were no significant differences in epithelial staining or severity of symptoms. Logistic regression showed that over 40y was a risk for being unstable tear group [odds ratio (OR)=1.53; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.06-2.20]. Contact lens use was protective factor for being in the unstable tear group (OR=0.37; 95%CI= 0.26-0.53). Subjects with shorter TBUT than blinking interval are prevalent among VDT users. Subjects over the age of 40 shows an increased risk for unstable tear film.

Ocular Surface Alterations in Visual Display Terminal Users

AbstractBackground: Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the amount of Work performed using Visual Display Ter-minals (VDTs) the extensive use of VDT has been accompanied by some adverse effects on the human health.Aim of Study: To detect and evaluate ocular surface alterations among visual display terminal users.Patients and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on three hundred VDT users who admin-istered a questionnaire which asked for the duration of using VDT per day, the type of VDT that often used, the position of VDT in relation to the eye and the distance between VDT and the eye, then 68 subjects of them consented to participate in clinical examination to detect any alterations in the ocular surface and the tear film.Results: The duration of using VDT, the position of VDT in relation to the eye in addition to lighting used during VDT affects the ocular surface. As position of VDT above the eye level was conjoined with the increase in the severity of dry eye this may be because the increase in palpebral aperture and consequently increase the area for tear evaporation.Conclusions: Using VDT associated with decrease in the blink rate and increase tear evaporation both of which can contribute to dry eye. Also using VDTs for long duration without breaks and positioning of VDT above the eye level both are accompanied by ocular surface alterations and dry eye.Dim lighted environment and high brightness of VDT screen badly affects the health of the ocular surface and subsequently the functional visual acuity.

Short-Term Omega 3 Fatty Acids Treatment for Dry Eye in Young and Middle-Aged Visual Display Terminal Users.

To evaluate the effect of an omega 3 fatty acid (O3FA) oral supplement (2,400 mg/day) for 45 days on dry eye symptoms, tear production, stability, and conjunctival cytology in young and middle-aged visual display terminal (VDT) users. Institutional review board approval was obtained, and a randomized, double-blind, interventional study was done; eyes of 256 VDT users were randomized to receive 4 capsules twice daily for 45 days (O3FA group), each containing 180 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 120 mg docosahexaenoic acid. The O3FA group was compared with another group (n=266) who received 8 capsules of a placebo (olive oil). Patients were evaluated at baseline, 30 days, and 45 days. The primary outcome measure was an improvement in dry eye symptoms. Secondary outcome measures were improvement in the Nelson grade on conjunctival impression cytology, Schirmer test values, and tear film breakup time (TBUT). Means of groups (pretreatment, day 30, and day 45) were compared with repeated-measure analysis of variance. The relation between the outcome variables and VDT time was evaluated using linear regression. In the O3FA group, the mean symptom score differed significantly (P<0.005) (pretreatment, 30 days, and 45 days); the TBUT and Nelson grade also improved significantly but only after 45 days of intervention. Schirmer test values did not differ significantly after adjustment for multiple comparisons (P=0.010). The change was not significant in the placebo group. Consumption of 2,400 mg/day of O3FA supplement improves symptoms, tear stability, and conjunctival cytology but not tear production in symptomatic VDT users.

Blink Rate and Incomplete Blinks in Six Different Controlled Hard-Copy and Electronic Reading Conditions.

To evaluate spontaneous eye blink rate (SEBR) and percentage of incomplete blinks in different hard-copy and visual display terminal (VDT) reading conditions, compared with baseline conditions. A sample of 50 participants (29 females, age range, 18-74 years) were recruited for this study. All participants had good ocular health and reported no symptoms of dry eye (OSDI score < 15). Face video recordings were captured while participants observed in silence a landscape picture at 2 m (baseline) and during six different, 6-minute controlled reading experimental conditions. Texts were presented in electronic (tablet and computer display at 100% and 330% zoom levels) and hard-copy (text in book position in silence and aloud and text pasted on the computer display) formats. Video analysis was subsequently conducted to assess blink parameters. All reading conditions resulted in a decrease in SEBR when compared with baseline conditions (all P < 0.001), with the least negative impact corresponding to reading in a 330% expanded display. The percentage of incomplete blinks was found to increase when reading was conducted on an electronic platform, in contrast to hard-copy text. The high cognitive demands associated with a reading task led to a reduction in SEBR, irrespective of type of reading platform. However, only electronic reading resulted in an increase in the percentage of incomplete blinks, which may account for the symptoms experienced by VDT users. Spanish Abstract.