It is a fact that digital screens are now indispensable in our lives. As the time we spend in front of phones, tablets and computers increases, health problems that may develop due to the use of such screens have begun to be described in the literature. In addition to muscle and joint problems such as numbness in the fingers, neck and neck pain, eye and vision-related problems are among the problems that may develop due to long-term use of digital tools.
Digital eye fatigue syndrome, computer, phone and tablet. It is defined as a series of ocular surface problems and vision problems that occur during or after use. Among the problems that patients complain about the most are fatigue, itching, redness, dryness, burning, watery eyes; blurred or double vision, slow focusing, deterioration in the perception of colors and headache.
While these problems are relieved in many people by stopping the use of such screens for a while, especially the underlying problems such as dry eyes, allergies, etc. It can impair the quality of life and eye health of people with eye problems by causing the existing eye disease to worsen. Studies have shown that this situation can reduce productivity in business life by up to 40%.
There are different mechanisms blamed for computer vision syndrome. Among these, the mechanisms related to the eye muscles are mostly problems related to incorrect determination of the distance or angle of the digital screen to eye level and posture disorders that occur while using mobile phones or tablets. Eye complaints are accompanied by complaints related to the musculoskeletal system, such as head, neck and neck pain.
Problems caused by the close-looking mechanism in the eye include blurred or double vision, near-range blur, temporary myopia and focusing problems. and complaints usually relieve after a break in computer or other screen use for a while.
The most common of these mechanisms is caused by problems with the outer surface of the eye and occurs during or after screen use, such as dry eye, stinging and burning. It progresses with redness and itching sensation. What is blamed for its development Among the symptoms are dry eyes, decreased blinking rate when looking closely at the screen, increased eyelid aperture and exposed eye surface area, contact lens use, tear production and distribution problems due to aging, use of drugs used topically or systemically that may cause dry eyes. systemic diseases are included.
There is a difference in terms of vision between reading a text of the same size on a digital screen and reading it on paper. On digital screens, the image is formed by the combination of thousands of small dots and lines called pixels and grids, and the edge of the image or letter is generally not sharp and becomes more distorted as the resolution decreases, causing the reader to have difficulty in seeing. Other factors that may cause an increase in visual complaints include factors such as the difference in contrast of the text or image with the background, the brightness of the digital screen, and the reflectivity of the screen.
This is the first thing to be done in the route to be drawn for the treatment of digital eye fatigue. The mechanisms that may cause this should be identified and eliminated. The precautions that can be taken here can be grouped as measures that can be taken by changing environmental factors and eye care.
The first environmental factor that needs to be regulated is lighting. Bright lights, direct sunlight reflected from the screen to the eyes, and overhead fluorescent lights often cause glare and cause discomfort to the eyes. Studies have shown that eye fatigue is more common in people who use digital screens in a very bright or dark room, and that dry eyes are more common in people who use darker screen colors. Screen brightness should be similar to ambient lighting and contrast should be increased as much as possible. It is recommended that digital screens be approximately 90 cm away from the eyes, and the middle point of the screen should be positioned approximately 15 cm below eye level. Using a computer, tablet or mobile phone very close to the eyes causes an increased need for near vision, causing overwork of the eye muscles, which causes symptoms such as eye fatigue, temple and headache. It leads to the appearance of glare.
In addition, the patients should be informed that dirt and dust on the screen are factors that increase glare, and the importance of keeping all kinds of digital screens and the glasses used by the person clean.
Normally every minute. A person who blinks 12 to 16 times blinks 6 to 8 times in front of a screen. In addition, the use of digital screens deteriorates blink strength and quality. The presence of filters that can be used in front of the screen prevents the decrease in the number of blinks and reduces reflection and glare.
Dry eyes that may develop due to decreased blinking frequency can be relieved by the use of artificial tear drops prescribed by the ophthalmologist in addition to screen filters. . It is necessary for an ophthalmologist to evaluate whether complaints such as burning and redness of contact lens users who stay in front of the screen for a long time are due to digital eye fatigue or a different complication related to contact lens use.
During digital screen use. It is important to check the correct eye number of people with complaints, especially in the childhood age group, whose number can change rapidly, and in the patient group over the age of 40, whose near vision has begun to deteriorate. Various studies have shown that people who do not have proper eye correction are more likely to experience burning, dryness and redness in their eyes when using tablets, phones and computers. It is known that special filters and anti-reflective coatings to be applied to the glasses used by people who spend a long time in front of the screen may be beneficial.
In addition to all these, ensuring that patients drink the appropriate amount of fluid during the day and including essential fatty acids in their diet. Giving vitamins and minerals in a balanced manner and maintaining sleep patterns are important for the treatment of underlying dry eye. Appropriate adjustment of ambient heating and use of ambient humidifiers to prevent drying of the eyes in air-conditioned office environments are among the precautions that can be taken in workplaces.
The most important step in the treatment of digital eye fatigue is to see an ophthalmologist. Through detailed examination, it will be determined that the person does not have any other eye problems, the patient will be informed and a personalized treatment method will be developed.
Asst. Assoc. Başak Bostancı
References
1 Griffiths KL, Mackey MG, Adamson BJ. The impact of a computerized work environment on professional occupational groups and behavioral and physiological risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms: a literature review. J Occup Rehabil. 2007;17(4):743-65
2. Collin MJ, Brown B, Bowman KJ. Visual discomfort and VDTs. National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (Worksafe, Australia). 1988;1-37
3. Computer vision syndrome (CVS). American Optometric Association. http://www.aoa.org/x5374.xml
4. Salibello C , Nilsen E Is there a typical VDT patient? A demographic analysis. J Am Optom Assoc. 1995; 66: 479–83.
5. Bali J, Navin N, Thakur BR. Computer vision syndrome: A study of the knowledge, attitudes and practices in Indian Ophthalmologists. Indian J Ophthalmol 2007;55:289-94.
6. Charpe NA, Kaushik V. Computer vision syndrome (CVS): Recognition and control in software professionals. J Hum Ecol. 2009;28:67-9.
7. Bergqvist UO, Knave BG. Eye discomfort and work with visual display terminals. Scand J Work Environ Health.1994; 20(1):27- 33
8. Mocci F, Serra A, Corrias GA. Psychological factors and visual fatigue in working with video display terminals. Occup Environ Med. 2001; 58:267-71.
9. Blehm C, Vishnu S, Khattak A, et al. Computer vision syndrome: a review. Surv Ophthalmol. 2005;50(3):253-6
10. Yaginuma Y, Yamada H, Nagai H. Study of the relationship between lacrimation and blink in VDT work. Ergonomics. 1990;33(6):799-809
11. Nakaishi H, Yamada Y. Abnormal tear dynamics and symptoms of eyestrain in operators of visual display terminals. Occup Environ Med. 1999; 56:6-9.
12. Shantakumari N, Eldeeb R, Gopal K. Computer use and Vision related problems among university students in Ajman, United Arab Emirate. Ann Med Health Sci Res 2014 4(2:258-263
13. Loh KY, Reddy SC. Understanding and Preventing Computer Vision syndrome. Malaysian Family Physician 2008;3(3):128-130.
14. Abdelaziz MM, Fahim SA. Mousa DB, GayaBI. Effects of computer use on visual acuity and color vision. Eur J Sci Res. 2009;35:99-105.
15. Cardona G, Garcia C, Seres C, Valesa M, Gispets J. Blink rate, blink amplitude and tear film integrity during dynamic visual display termina tasks. Curr Eye Pic. 2011;36:190-7.
16. Freudenthaler N, Neuf H, Kadner G, Schlote T. Characteristics of spontaneous eyeblink activity during video display terminals use in healthy volunteers. Grafes Arch Exp Ophthalmol 2003;241:914-20.
17.Rossignol AM, Morse EP, Summers VMM, Pagnotto LD. Visual display terminal use and reported health symptoms among Massachusetts clerical workers. J Occup Med.1987;29:112-
18. Hanne W, Brewitt H, Augenklink Rechts DI, Munchen TU. Changes in visual function caused by work at a data display terminal. Ophthalmologe 1994;901:107-12.
19. Bergqvist UO, Knave BG. Eye discomfort and work with visual display terminals. Scand J Work Environ health.1994;20:27-33.
20. Nakaishi H, Yamada Y. Abnormal tear Dynamics and symptoms of eyestrain in operators of visual disply terminals. Occup Environ Med. 1999;56:6-9.
21. Feigin AA. Role of spectral filters for refraction dynamics in computer users. Vesn ophthalmol 2003;119:39-40.
Read: 0
