Abstract
Purpose: :
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is the combination of eye and vision problems associated with the use of computers. Dry eye may be a primary cause of CVS since both a significantly reduced blink rate and increased corneal exposure have been observed during computer operation. This study examined the prevalence of both CVS and dry eye in a population of office workers.
Methods: :
A written questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of CVS in office workers (N=520; mean age = 39.3 years; range 18-83 years) in midtown Manhattan, and to quantify the effect of risk factors including gender, ethnicity, age, cigarette smoking, and type of refractive correction. The questionnaire also determined the prevalence of ocular surface disease using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI).
Results: :
The most prevalent symptom associated with CVS was tired eyes, which was reported by 40% of subjects as occurring "at least half the time". 32% and 31% of subjects reported symptoms of dry eye and eye discomfort, respectively, with this same frequency. A significant positive correlation (r=0.93) was observed between CVS symptoms and the OSDI. Based on the OSDI data, 21%, 12% and 18% of subjects had mild, moderate and severe ocular surface disease, respectively. CVS symptoms were significantly higher in females, Hispanics, subjects who spent a greater number of hours working on a computer and those using rewetting drops. CVS symptoms did not vary significantly with age or cigarette smoking. While the OSDI was higher in contact lens wearers, this form of refractive correction was not associated with an increased CVS symptom score.
Conclusions: :
CVS is a highly prevalent condition in the general population producing symptoms for extended periods of time. It is strongly associated with ocular surface disease. Therapeutic regiments need to be developed for this widespread condition.
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: prevalence/incidence • cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • quality of life