Abstract
Purpose: :
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is the complex of eye and vision problems related to near work which are experienced during or related to computer use. While the utilization of technology has increased dramatically, the underlying etiology remains unclear. Failure to address causes of CVS will result in both ocular and general discomfort, potentially leading to decreased productivity. Although a wide variety of treatments have been advocated, these have had only limited success in alleviating the condition. The present study looked at the monitor output, and specifically color temperature to determine whether this can be adjusted to minimize CVS.
Methods: :
Subjects (N=20) were required to perform a continuous 20 minute reading task on a computer at a viewing distance of 50cm. Immediately following the task, they completed a questionnaire asking about both ocular and general symptoms. Three trials were completed, with the monitor being adjusted for one of 3 correlated color temperature settings of 5000 K, 6500 K, or 9300 K. The spectral output of the display was recorded using a PR-650 SpectraScan colorimeter.
Results: :
No significant differences were observed between the 5000K and 9300K trials for any of the symptoms questioned. However, significant differences were observed between the 3 color temperature conditions for symptoms of tired eyes (p=0.05) and eyestrain (p=0.02) during the task, with the 6500K condition giving significantly higher symptom scores.
Conclusions: :
A 6500K correlated color temperature monitor setting gave significantly higher symptoms with regard to tired eyes and eyestrain when compared with the other two settings. Thus, the monitor color settings may be a contributory factor to CVS. Practitioners should consider this variable when managing this highly prevalent condition as a potential option to reduce CVS.
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: systems/equipment/techniques • color appearance/constancy • quality of life