An attempt at preventing asthenopia among VDT workers.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Human Factors
• Ergonomics

Background:

• Prolonged use of visual display terminals (VDTs) is associated with asthenopia, commonly known as eye strain.
• Digital eye strain affects a significant portion of the workforce, particularly in information technology sectors.
• Current interventions for VDT-induced eye strain are varied, with a need for effective and accessible solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Stretch Eye (TM) stereoscopic viewing method in mitigating asthenopia among VDT users.
• To assess the impact of a brief stereoscopic image intervention on subjective visual fatigue and eyesight quality.
• To determine if Stretch Eye (TM) can provide a practical solution for eye strain experienced during VDT work.

Main Methods:

• Three surveys were conducted involving VDT users from two information technology companies.
• Participants engaged in a minibreak viewing a single-image stereogram (Stretch Eye (TM)) featuring a repeating parallel pattern of planets.
• Asthenopia symptoms and eyesight were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and accommodative response was measured.

Main Results:

• A significant accommodative relaxation of approximately 1 diopter (D) was observed while participants viewed the stereoscopic image.
• Subjective reports indicated a reduction in visual fatigue and an improvement in eyesight among participants using Stretch Eye (TM).
• The Stretch Eye (TM) intervention demonstrated positive effects on both objective measures (accommodation) and subjective user experience.

Conclusions:

• The Stretch Eye (TM) method is an effective intervention for reducing visual fatigue and asthenopia in VDT users.
• Incorporating brief stereoscopic viewing breaks can improve visual comfort and eyesight during demanding VDT work.
• Stretch Eye (TM) offers a promising, non-invasive approach to managing work-related eye strain in technology-dependent professions.