A study of ergonomic factors leading to computer vision syndrome among computer users

The invention of computers has transformed and modernized both the work place and the home environment (Blehm et al., 2005). It has been estimated that the number of computer users globally was 670 million in 2007, and rising to 1 billion in 2010 (Izquierdo et al., 2007). With the rate at which the google computing system has grown, the total number of computer users is currently likely to be much higher than 1 billion. According to the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOHS), USA, any individual who works with a computer for more than three hours per day is likely to experience symptoms of CVS (Jaschinki-Kruza, 1991; Atenio, 1996). CVS is defined as a complex of eye and vision problems which are experienced during computer use or a task related to the use of a computer (Wimalasundera, 2006; Yan et al, 2008). The symptoms of CVS can be divided broadly into two categories; eye and vision-related symptoms (e.g. dry eyes, watery eyes, irritated and burning eyes, eye strain, eye fatigue, headache, blurred vision and double vision) and posture-related symptoms (e.g. neck, shoulder and back pain) (Verma, 2001, Blehm et al., 2005; Sheedy, 2000; Yan et al., 2008). Other reported symptoms include light and glare discomfort, after-image distortion and colour distortion (Verma, 2001; Sen and Richardson, 2007).

The authors aim of this study was to investigate the ergonomic factors that might lead to computer vision syndrome (CVS) among non-presbyopic computer users in a University staff population. A complete eye examination was performed on each participant before he or she was interviewed using a structured questionnaire probing into demographic status and factors that could lead to CVS.
Eighty seven participants were included in the study. An observation and measurement of the participant's computer workstation was then made in order to identify the risk factors leading to CVS. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics. 72% of participants reported taking breaks after 2 hours while 28% reported taking breaks after every hour of computer use. Eye strain and visual fatigue (89%), headaches (81%), neck and back pains (77%) were the most severe and frequently reported symptoms among the participants. In general, the computer workstations were not economically designed and users were not aware that they were not adhering to ergonomie requirements for computer use.

This suggests the need for awareness campaigns on ergonomic factors that can prevent computer vision syndrome among computer users and early intervention programs for computer users that experience computer vision syndrome.

Mashige, K. P., Rampersad, N., & Oduntan, O. A. (2013). A study of ergonomic factors leading to computer vision syndrome among computer users. Ergonomics SA, 25(1), 3-12.