Visual Display Unit Research Articles

Myopia in Tanzania-My Approach

Childhood myopia is now an emerging issue in Tanzania. Today, billions of people around the world are struggling with the condition of myopia. This number is only expected to increase in the future and Africa is no exception. In Tanzania, due to increasing usage of smart phones and Visual Display Units (VDUs) there is an emerging Myopia in children as well as in adults. Data that documents the effects of visual impairment due to refractive error across the country is scant, however. Admittedly there exists a lack of lack of Ophthalmic /Optometry services leading to uncorrected refractive error that is a cause of vision impairment. Increases in life expectancy in Tanzania, and decreases in time spent outdoors, coupled with increased time spent staring at screens each day plays a part as well

Symptomatic Dry Eye Disease and Associated Factors Among Adult Diabetic Patients in Adare General Hospital, Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia, 2023.

Symptomatic dry eye disease is a multifactorial ocular surface condition caused by disruption of the precorneal tear film and is a common clinical finding in diabetic patients. However, there was no study on the prevalence and associated factors of symptomatic dry eye disease among diabetic patients in Ethiopia or in the study area. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of symptomatic dry eye disease among adult diabetic patients in Adare General Hospital, Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia, in 2023. A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on 493 adult diabetic patients who were selected using systematic random sampling, from April 23 to June 8, 2023. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview using an ocular surface disease index questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors potentially associated with symptomatic dry eye disease. Variable with a P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 488 subjects participated in this study with a response rate of 99%. The prevalence of symptomatic dry eye disease was 34.8% (95% CI = 30.6-39.1). College and university educational status (AOR = 5.88, 95% CI = 2.25-15.38), government employed (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.05-4.68), use of visual display unit >5 hours (AOR = 4.41, 95% CI = 1.51-12.87), duration of diabetes ≥11 years (AOR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.28-9.90), poor glycemic control (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.21-3.75), allergic conjunctivitis (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.12-3.54), and debris in the tear film (AOR = 3.63, 95% CI = 1.53-8.61) were positively associated with symptomatic dry eye disease. The study revealed a high prevalence of symptomatic dry eye disease. Higher educational status, government employed, use of visual display unit, longer duration of diabetes, poor glycemic control, allergic conjunctivitis, and tear film debris were significantly associated with symptomatic dry eye disease. Breaks in screen use, good glycemic control, and treatment of ocular morbidities such as allergic conjunctivitis and debris in the tear film were recommended for all diabetic patients.

The influence of occasional and frequent work from home on musculoskeletal complaints.

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic acts as a recent driver for telework on a global scale. While visual display unit (VDU) workplaces are usually subject to regulatory requirements or occupational health and safety controls, mobile workplaces may increase the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs). This study aimed to explore the influence of work from home (WFH) on musculoskeletal complaints in the context of German municipal administrations. This paper is based on an online survey conducted as part of the Health and Digital Change project in cooperation with three municipal administrations in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. A multivariate model was constructed to calculate the odds ratio for MSCs including various control variables. While bivariate analysis showed a 0.96-fold risk for employees who work from home, the multivariate model with a split between occasional (OR = 0.79) and frequent (OR = 1.59) WFH revealed a more complex effect. Both odds did not reach the significance level. However, the influence of being female (OR = 3.34) and being overweight (OR = 1.51) was confirmed. Regarding age the OR increases by 1.02 per year of life. Other control variables were the municipal affiliation, university entrance qualification, working hours and feeling overstrained. The regression model improved by 0.07 (McFadden R2) compared to the null model. Although WFH is discussed as a rising risk factor for MSCs, the findings in this study indicate, that occasional WFH acts as a rather protective factor against work-related MSCs.

Analysis of real-world visual ergonomics at the visual display unit.

In this interventional study, the ergonomic workplace set-up and the impact of character size on subjectively estimated working productivity and computer vision syndrome (CVS) were evaluated in the field. The number of displays and their size, resolution, surface structure, position in the room and relation to the eye were evaluated for 152 units. CVS was assessed using the CVS-Questionnaire. Habitually used character size for an uppercase E was recorded and compared to the ISO 9241-303:2011, national standards (e.g., ANSI/HFES 100-2007) and national guidelines (e.g., German DGUV Information 215-410). In case of failure to comply with these standards, character size was increased to 22 angular minutes to reach the recommended ranges. Reasons for returning to former or smaller character sizes were recorded, and subjectively perceived changes in productivity were estimated by the participants using a visual analogue scale before and 2 weeks after the intervention using a questionnaire. The average visual display unit consisted of two non-glare (matt) 24″ widescreen monitors that were located approximately 73 cm (primary) and 76 cm (secondary) from the eyes. The mean (SD) habitually set character size was 14.29 angular minutes (3.53) and therefore both statistically and clinically significantly too small compared with ISO 9241-303:2011 (p < 0.001). Increasing the character size to 22 angular minutes produced a 26% reduction in subjectively rated productivity (p < 0.001). No significant correlation between character size and symptoms of CVS was demonstrated. In the workplaces investigated, recommendations for character size were not adhered to. This resulted in a reduction in productivity and was not compatible with some of the work requirements, for example, obtaining a broad overview of a spreadsheet.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Computer Vision Syndrome among Office Workers in UiTM Puncak Alam

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a widespread issue affecting computer users. This study investigated the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of using visual display unit on CVS among office workers in UiTM Puncak Alam campus and the association between these factors. Majority respondents knew that prolonged computer digital screen usage could lead to CVS(76%) and that practicing good ergonomics(76%) and taking regular screen breaks(69%) can reduce discomfort and risk of injury. There was a significant association between CVS knowledge and gender, years of working with computers, and refractive error status. This study will improve computer users' knowledge of CVS.

Assessment of prevalence of dry eye among medical students using ocular surface disease index questionnaire - Is COVID-19 to be really blamed?

An undergraduate research conducted during the pre-covid times, to highlight the importance of screen time and its association with dry eye in medical students. The aim was to study the prevalence of dry eye among medical students using the ocular surface index (OSDI) questionnaire. This was a cross-sectional study. This study was conducted among medical students using an OSDI questionnaire in the pre-covid times. Based on the pilot study, the minimum sample size calculated was 245. A total of 310 medical students participated in the study. These medical students answered the OSDI questionnaire. The OSDI score was used to categorize students with dry eye as mild (13-22 points), moderate (23-32 points), and severe (33-100 points). In addition, the associations between the OSDI score and possible risk factors such as gender, contact lens/spectacle wear, laptop/mobile usage, and duration of exposure to air conditioners were also studied. The analysis of the study revealed that out of 310 students, dry eye was seen in 143 (46.1%) and severe dry eyes were seen in 50 (16.1%). A high OSDI score (>13 points) was associated with the usage of a laptop/mobile for more than 6 h in 40 (52.6%) (P < 0.001). The prevalence of dry eye among medical students was 46.1% in the present study. Longer duration of usage of visual display units (laptop/mobile) was the only factor that showed a statistically significant association with dry eye in our study.

High Prevalence of Symptomatic Dry Eye Disease Among University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic in University of West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago.

The Covid-19 pandemic lockdown obligated higher education students to attend online courses, leading to prolonged exposure to digital displays. Excessive time on digital devices could be a risk factor for ocular problems, including symptomatic dry eye. There are limited evidences to show the magnitude of symptomatic dry eye disease and its associated factors during COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to fill this gap, among university students in Trinidad and Tobago. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students attending the University of West Indies, Saint Augustine Campus from October 2020 to April 2021. The standardized ocular surface disease index questionnaire, descriptive statics and binary logistic regression were used to assess the prevalence and associated factors of dry eye diseases. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Four hundred (96.3%) participants completed the questionnaire. Among all, 64.8% were female and 50.5% were east Indians. About 48% were using visual display units for average of 10-15 hours/day. The prevalence of symptomatic dry eye disease was 84.3% (95% CI = 80.8-87.5%) with OSDI score ≥13. Lack of education about dry eye 2.69 (95% CI: 1.41-5.13), use of the reading mode of computer 3.92 (95% CI: 1.57-9.80), refractive error 3.20 (95% CI: 1.66-6.20), previous systemic medications 2.80 (95% CI: 1.15-6.81), and average hours of visual display unit use/day (p<0.001) were significantly associated with symptomatic dry eye disease. Symptomatic dry eye disease was a prominent problem among students at the University of West Indies. Average of >4 hours of visual display unit use/day, refractive error, positive history of systemic medication, lack of education about dry eye, and using computers in reading mode were associated factors.

Assessment of digital light processing (DLP) projector stimulators for visual electrophysiology

IntroductionVisual electrophysiology tests require the use of precise and calibrated visual display units (VDUs). Existing VDUs for presenting structured stimuli are now mostly obsolete, with modern solutions limited or unsuitable for clinical testing. Digital light processing (DLP) laser projectors have recently become commercially available and this study aimed to assess their suitability as VDUs for visual electrophysiology testing.MethodsThis study consisted of two sections. The first was a photometric study of two DLP laser projectors (Viewsonic LS831WU and HiSense 100L5FTUK) to assess luminance, contrast, spectral and temporal characteristics of the stimulus. The second was a physiological study comparing pattern electroretinograms (PERG) and visual evoked potentials (PVEPs) amplitudes and peak-times recorded using a DLP laser projector, photometrically and spatially matched to existing plasma VDUs at our institution (Pioneer Electronics Corporation, PDP422MXE).ResultsThe Viewsonic DLP laser projector was capable of high luminance levels (0–587.5 cd/m2) whilst maintaining contrast above 93%. The temporal properties showed fast rise and fall times of 0.5–1 ms and 0.5–1 ms, respectively, without any transient luminance change with reversals. The device required a warm-up time of at least 2 min until reaching near maximal luminance. The second (Hisense) device was observed to have a detrimental input lag jitter so was not used for any further analysis. PERGs and PVEPs showed high agreement and correlation (r = 0.766–0.905) between the Viewsonic DLP device and existing plasma VDUs. No significant differences were observed for P50 and P100 peak-time (p = > 0.05), however P50, N95 and P100 amplitudes were all significantly larger for the DLP device (p = < 0.05).DiscussionThe DLP laser projector tested in this study is a viable and practical replacement VDU for clinical electrophysiology tests of vision. The device is easily capable of meeting ISCEV standards, and showed PERG and PVEP amplitudes larger than existing systems despite photometric and spatial matching. The DLP laser projectors are capable of very large field sizes so are beneficial for paediatric testing or those wishing to examine large field responses. Importantly, it was observed that some devices may suffer input lag jitter, therefore, individual calibration and assessment of DLP projection systems is an important consideration before clinical implementation.

DigiFuehr 2.0: Novel insights for digital leadership.

Against the background of e-government, it is discussed whether self-organization represents an independent component of digital leadership. Addressing this research question, the instrument "DigiFuehr" is being expanded to include the aspects of self-determination and coordination. The aim is to test the model quality of three adapted scales against the already established support-focusing version. Based on an online survey of n= 422 employees at visual display unit workstations in German municipal administrations in April 2022, the original version of DigiFuehr as well as one reduced and two extended versions were validated considering their local and global model fit. All four scales show a good local fit with regard to internal consistency (Cronbach's α), discriminatory power, and dimensionality. Only the scale extended by two items also offers a sufficient global fit and is thus most suitable as a predictor for psychological stress, work satisfaction, and satisfaction with the professional exchange during homeworking. With "DigiFuehr 2.0", an improved version of the original scale is available. Self-organization is not a component independent of the support dimension, but a further important indicator of a latent digital leadership culture. Neither should come at the expense of the other.

Pilotstudie zur arbeitsmedizinischen Online- Vorsorge bei Tätigkeiten an Bildschirmgeräten

Pilot study of online occupational healthcare for workers using visual display units (VDUs) Objective: Public employees at state schools in Rhineland-Palatinate use visual display units in the course of their work. For the doctors at the Institute for Teacher Health, the question arose as to whether a medical consultation leading to appropriate occupational health interventions for workers using VDUs according to “ArbMedVV” could be held online. To test this idea, the study was to apply an orienting online eye test and evaluate it with regard to practicability and benefit. Method: School staff who had applied for special visual aids for use with VDUs were offered advice via online video consultation including an orienting online eye test. A standardised questionnaire served as an interview guide for the purposes of ascertaining medical history and for documentation. The results of the questionnaire and the orienting online eye test were managed in a database and evaluated descriptively for this paper. Results: Thirty consultations (26 online video consultations, 4 telephone consultations) were held during the evaluation period (22.12.2021 to 26.07.2022). Employees of vocational colleges were the most frequent participants (27 %). All employees reported complaints when working with screens. The combination of visual and shoulder/neck complaints was the most common complaint constellation (16 people, 53 %). In the majority of cases (70 %), the employees achieved a good to very good result in the orienting online eye test. Based on the comprehensive anamnesis and observations made during the video consultation, all persons received detailed advice and an occupational medical recommendation for special visual aids for their work with VDUs. Conclusion: Online occupational healthcare for VDU workers via online video consultations including an online eye test has proven to be practicable in the group presented here. A standardised questionnaire for anamnesis and documentation has demonstrated its worth. The orienting online eye test provided important information, especially through observating the employees during the procedure. The value of the orienting online eye test should be validated in comparison with conventional eye tests according to Occupational Medical Rule (AMR) 14.1. Keywords: occupational healthcare (ArbMedVV) – online eye test – school staff – visual display units

Symptomatic dry eye disease and associated factors among postgraduate students in Ethiopia.

BackgroundSymptomatic dry eye disease is a growing public health challenge especially among those who are visual display unit (VDU) users and other long-time near activity workers. Globally, computer user adults experience a surge in the prevalence of dry eye. Data is insufficient on the prevalence of dry eye disease among postgraduate students in Ethiopia. Therefore, the present was aimed to assess the prevalence of dry eye and its associated factors among postgraduate students at the University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 423 postgraduate students who were selected based on a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected through online symptom-based ocular surface disease index questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to test the association and p-value of <0.05 was considered to determine the significance of the association.ResultsFrom the total postgraduate students, 404 completed the study with a response rate of 95.5%. The prevalence of symptomatic dry eye disease was 50.5% (95% CI, 45.1%-54.9%). Average continuous visual display unit use for 2-4hours per day[AOR = 2.57 (95% CI, 1.27–5.21)] and for> 4hours per day[AOR = 3.77 (95% CI 1.87–7.59)], duration of visual display unit use for 3–5 years [AOR = 2.24 (95% CI, 1.17–4.31)], 6–8 years [AOR = 2.46 (95% CI,1.31–4.62)] and > 8 years [AOR = 3.25 (95% CI, 1.63–6.48)], average sleeping hour < 7 hours/day within last week [AOR = 2.17 (95% CI, 1.35–3.49)] and current known allergic conjunctivitis [AOR = 5.42 (95% CI, 2.43–12.10)] were significantly associated with symptomatic dry eye disease.Conclusion and recommendationIn this study, about half of postgraduate students faced symptomatic dry eye disease. Significant association was observed between symptomatic dry eye disease and average continuous hours of visual display unit use, duration of visual display unit use in years, shortage of sleep and current known allergic conjunctivitis. It is advisable for postgraduate students to limit screen exposure hour and establish regular breaking time along their exposure. It is also advisable to have optimum sleep as possible. It is also important to explore dry eye disease on a large sample incorporating clinical tests.

Surface Electromyography of the Trapezius and Sternocleidomastoid during Computer Work with Presbyopic Corrections.

During computer work in controlled laboratory conditions, wearing multifocal contact lenses (MFCLs) showed no lower muscle load but increased subjective perception of comfort with equivalent visual quality and comparable tolerance. Because musculoskeletal complaints are frequent among computer workers, this study used the muscle electrophysiological activity of shoulder and neck muscles in presbyopic computer workers who received either progressive addition lenses for general purpose (GP-PALs) or MFCLs. For this crossover study, 11 presbyopic computer workers aged 55 ± 4 years (mean ± standard deviation) were equipped with GP-PALs and MFCLs in a randomized order. Surface electromyography signals were recorded bilaterally from shoulder and neck muscles during short-term computer work tasks using an optimally adjusted visual display unit workplace. The amplitude probability distribution function, the number and total duration of EMG gaps, and sustained low-level muscle activity periods of the surface electromyography signals were calculated. Comfort and correction type preferences were assessed. Head inclination was objectively evaluated. Multifocal contact lenses elicited no significant lower muscle load than GP-PALs. The number of sustained low-level muscle activity periods longer than 60 seconds was similar between visual aids. The total amount of gaps was significantly higher with MFCLs (44 gaps) compared with progressive addition lenses for general purpose (15 gaps) in all analyzed periods for all participants. However, there were no significant differences for the median in the intraindividual comparisons (P = .22, dz = 0.52). Multifocal contact lenses scored statistically significant higher in comfort values with equivalent visual quality and comparable tolerance (P = .003, dz = 1.51). Although the study failed to show clear results, wearing MFCLs seems to enhance working comfort compared with GP-PALs subjectively.

Determining the effect of climate and profession on dry eye disease: A prevalence study among young males in north, north-west and central India

BackgroundOcular tear film and the ocular surface together represent a dynamic playground of various protective factors against environmental influencers. Surrounding environment and geoclimatic milieu are the pertinent and continuous influencing factors. Prevalence study of Dry eye disease (DED) in various climatic conditions and professions provides an insight into this peculiar aspect of DED and human geography. MethodsThis was a hospital based, cross-sectional, comparative, analytical observational study. 1840 young soldiers between 25 and 45 years of age were studied. Divided in five climate groups based on Köppen–Geiger climate classification system the subjects were sub-grouped into professions exposed to known aggravating environmental factors. The ocular surface was examined for signs and symptoms of DED and its prevalence and risk ratio for different climates and professions were calculated. ResultsHighest prevalence of DED was found in cold desert climate and among visual display unit (VDU) users. Least prevalence was seen in highland type of climate and among people involved in professional exposed to high temperature. Prevalence of DED based upon the signs and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) was calculated and stratified with risk ratio for climatic conditions and professions. ConclusionDifferent climatic conditions and professions had different prevalence of signs, symptoms of OSD and DED which indicated its influence on prevalence of the disease.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Myopia Among High School Students in Hawassa City, South Ethiopia, 2019.

PurposeMyopia is one of the avoidable causes of visual impairment. Twenty-seven percent of the world population were myopic in 2010 and after 30 years it is expected half of the peoples in the planet will become myopic. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with myopia among high school students.Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional school-based study design using stratified simple random sampling technique was used to select 349 high school students from 21 high schools in Hawassa city. The study was conducted from April 24 to May 7, 2019. Structured questionnaire, six meter Snellen visual acuity chart, trial frame, trial set, retinoscope and cyclopentolate 1% eye drops were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 computer software. Variables having p-value <0.05 in multivariate logistic regression were considered as statistically significant.ResultsA total of 349 participants having a response rate of 97% were involved with the mean age of 16.90±1.32 years. Prevalence of myopia was 16.05% (95%CI: 12.6, 20.1). Early age of schooling (adjusted odds ratio, AOR=3.14; 95%CI: 1.16, 10.06), parents being myopic (AOR=8.46; 95%CI: 7.11, 12.08), prolonged near work (AOR=11.65; 95%CI: 2.11, 64.5), short working distance (AOR=10.90; 95%CI: 0.57, 20.55), lack of outdoor sport activities (AOR=7.37; 95%CI: 2.71, 20.03) and visual display unit (VDU) usage (AOR=8.36; 95%CI: 2.39, 29.33) were variables significantly associated with myopia.Conclusion and RecommendationsThe prevalence of myopia was high in the study area. Early age of schooling, parents being myopic, prolonged near work, short working distance, lack of outdoor sport activities, and visual display unit usage were variables significantly associated with myopia. There should be strategies to prevent visual impairments secondary to myopia with affordable optical corrections and appropriate use of visual display units.

The effect of image resolution of display types on accommodative microfluctuations.

PurposeTo determine whether accommodative microfluctuations (AMFs) are affected by the image resolution of the display type being observed. The effect of refractive error is also examined.MethodsTwenty participants, (10 myopes and 10 emmetropes) observed a target on four different displays: paper, smartphone, e‐reader and visual display unit screen (VDU), whilst their accommodative responses were measured using a continuous recording infrared autorefractor. The accommodative response and AMF measures comprising low frequency components (LFC), high frequency components (HFC) and the root mean square (RMS) of the AMFs were analysed.ResultsA significant increase in LFC power was observed for the paper stimulus when compared to the VDU and smartphone conditions. Myopes demonstrated a significantly higher LFC and mean accommodative response compared to emmetropes across the four displays. A significant difference in the mean AR between the displays with the lowest and highest resolution was found. A higher mean AR was found with higher resolution of the image. The HFC and RMS accommodation were not affected by display type.ConclusionThe mean accommodative response and the mean LFC power appear to respond differently depending on the type of display in use. Higher resolution devices showed a reduced lag of accommodation to the accommodative demand; however, this may cause a lead of accommodation in myopes for higher resolution display types.

Visual Performance under Varying Illumination Conditions while using an Indigenously Developed Wrist Wearable Computer

Ambient illumination conditions have significant impact on users’ visual performance while carrying out onscreen reading tasks on visual display units, especially smaller screen sizes. Present study assessed the visual performance responses of different ambient illumination levels during onscreen reading on Wrist Wearable Computer (WWC) developed for the command-control-communication between the control room and the soldiers operating in remote locations. Ten (10) Indian Infantry soldiers performed two different types of loud reading tasks on the display of WWC under three different ambient illumination (mean ±SEM) conditions namely, Indoor controlled (450.00±10.00 lx), Outdoor daylight (11818.7±582.91 lx) and Indoor dark (0.12±0.03 lx) environments. While reading, participants wore an eye tracking glass which recorded the eye movement responses. Visualisation techniques were used to predict the association of illumination levelof surrounding with visual performance of the user. Subjective legibility rating was also applied to understand participants’ preferences towards physical attributes of the onscreen information and illumination level. Results indicated that illumination had a significant effect on eye movement parameters like fixation frequency, fixation duration and scanpath length while completing the tasks. Overall, participants performed better under indoor controlled illumination conditions in terms of fixation profile and scanpath length, apart from improved subjective legibility ratings as compared to other two illumination conditions. Future research attempts need to be directed towards the optimum performance of the display across wide range of ambient illumination conditions and to establish how the display of indigenously developed wearable computer performs in comparison to other such displays available across the globe.

Non-strabismic binocular vision anomalies among students of a Malaysian private university uses visual display unit

AIM: To determine the status of non-strabismic binocular vision anomalies (NSBVA) among students of a Malaysian private university uses visual display units (VDU). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among university students who use VDU 3h or more from January 2019 to May 2019. A convenient sampling method was utilized. All subjects had gone through primary eye-examinations to satisfy the inclusion criteria. Those who satisfy the inclusion criteria, further gone through the NSBVA assessment. The descriptive analysis was done to rule out the percentage of NSBVA and Chi-square test of independence was carried out to observe the association of NSBVA with age, gender and hours of VDU usage. RESULTS: A total of 140 students including 88 females (62.9%) and 52 males (37.1%) participated in this study. The mean age of the participants was 22.54±1.48 years and the mean VDU usage hours were 5.76±2.49h. The percentage of NSBVA is 40% among the students those who use VDU. The occurrence of accommodative and vergence anomalies among the VDU users is 17.86% and 22.14% respectively. There was a moderate association between gender and NSBVA (P=0.010). However, there was no significant association observed for age (P=0.334) and hours of VDU usage (P=0.835) with NSBVA. CONCLUSION: NSBVA is 40% among the students of a Malaysian private university uses VDU. Accommodation insufficiency (15%) and convergence insufficiency (10%) is more common among all NSBVA for VDU users.

Time to re-think our strategy with musculoskeletal disorders and workstation ergonomics.

BackgroundThe dramatic increase in visual display units (VDU) in the workplace over a 20-year period is linked to the increased prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).ObjectivesThe objective of our study was to compare ergonomic risk factors and work-related psychosocial factors in VDU users with and without MSD.MethodsParticipants, with and without MSD, working with VDU for more than 4 h a day completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Effort-Reward Imbalance Model and Over-commitment Questionnaire. The workstation of each participant was assessed for ergonomic risk factors using the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA).ResultsSixty-eight VDU users with and 68 without MSDs participated. The workstation ergonomic risk factors as measured with the ROSA were similar for the two groups: 4.5 ± 1.0 for the MSD group and 4.3 ± 0.8 for the reference group (p = 0.10). The work-related psychosocial factors, namely over-commitment, were higher in the MSD group (14.9 ± 3.1) than in the reference group (13.8 ± 3.4; p = 0.041).ConclusionsAs over-commitment is an indication of intrinsic factors and personal characteristics, the significant difference between the MSD group’s over-commitment score and that of the reference group suggests that interventions to empower individuals are needed.Clinical implicationsPhysiotherapists should only adjust ergonomic workstation risk factors when established as contributory to MSD, and should be cognisant of work-related or individual psychosocial factors that may impact the patient with MSD. The use of ergonomic advice to patients with MSD should be performed with caution, taking all the work place risk factors for MSD into account.

Accommodation Rock after Visual Display Unit (VDU) Activity under Two Different Ambient Lightings

Dynamic accommodation under natural viewings, such as driving, could be affected by the lighting condition. This study aimed to investigate the accommodation rock after the visual display unit (VDU) activity with and without ambient lighting. It was measured in cycle minute (cpm) with Hart Chart before and after each lighting condition's VDU activity. The VDU activity involved a one-hour visual task in 30 young adults. There was significant different [c2(3) = 23.42, p&lt;0.001, Friedman test] in accommodative rock with VDU activity under different lightings. Low lighting lowered the rapid change of accommodation at different distances under natural viewing. Keywords: Visual display unit (VDU); lighting; accommodation rock; natural viewing eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bsby e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning &amp; Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI3.2568

Computer vision syndrome: Are medical students exempted from it?

Introduction: It has been observed that use of computer by medical students is increasing. Study material is becoming more digital, computers are used in many of the diagnostic tests that take place within the hospital. This study was conducted with the aim to study the prevalence, risk factors and clinical evaluation and spread awareness of computer vision syndrome among medical students. Materials and Methods: This Cross sectional study was conducted at a Medical college in Pune. The questionnaire was allotted to students in campus of medical College, those who were found to be symptomatic were further evaluated in Out Patient Department of Ophthalmology data analyzed by using SPSS software version 17.0. Statistical tools used were proportions & percentages & other appropriate. Statistical tests of significance applied. Result: the prevalence of computer vision syndrome was 54.44%. using computers for 6-8hours have higher percentage (39.12%) & duration more than 6-8 years of using computers 29.02% students suffering from computer vision syndrome (cvs). ocular & non ocular symptomps were statistically significant. Conclusion: The prevalence of computer vision syndrome amongst medical student was 54.44%. Factors to relieve symptoms were also studied and it is found that awareness of CVS definitely reduce symptoms. Keywords: Computer vision syndrome, Digital eye strain, Visual display unit.