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Central nervous system effects and visual fatigue in VDT workers.
K Murata1, S Araki, N Kawakami
1Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Visual display terminal (VDT) work causes significant visual fatigue and central nervous system effects, indicated by increased subjective fatigue and prolonged visual evoked potential (VEP) latencies. Critical flicker fusion (CFF) measures chronic visual fatigue.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Visual display terminals (VDTs) are widely used in modern workplaces.
- Concerns exist regarding potential adverse effects of prolonged VDT use on visual function and the central nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the central nervous system effects and visual fatigue induced by VDT work.
- To assess the utility of visual evoked potential (VEP), critical flicker fusion (CFF), and near-point distance as indicators of visual fatigue.
Main Methods:
- 24 female keypunchers and 6 non-VDT-exposed controls were studied.
- Measurements included symptom frequency, VEP, CFF, and near-point distance before and after a 2.5-hour VDT work session.
- Keypunchers had 1-7 years of data entry experience.
Main Results:
- VDT work significantly increased subjective fatigue and near-point distance.
- VEP latencies (N75, P100, N145) were significantly prolonged after VDT work.
- Critical flicker fusion (CFF) was significantly lower in keypunchers, indicating chronic visual fatigue.
Conclusions:
- VDT work is associated with impaired visual nervous system function.
- VEP latencies are sensitive indicators of transient visual fatigue.
- CFF is a useful parameter for estimating chronic visual fatigue from VDT use.