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External eye symptoms in indoor environments
1National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Indoor Air
|July 23, 2016
Summary
Common eye irritation, like dry eyes, affects office workers using visual display units (VDUs). This study explores external eye physiology, diseases, and risk factors like age and VDU use contributing to this prevalent issue.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Environmental Health
Background:
- Eye irritation, particularly dry or irritated eyes, is a leading complaint in office environments, especially for those engaged in visually demanding tasks on visual display units (VDUs).
- Prevalence is higher in middle-aged and older adults, and more common in women than men.
- These symptoms are frequently reported in eye clinics, necessitating a comprehensive understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To interpret the high prevalence of eye symptoms by examining external eye physiology.
- To investigate eye diseases such as evaporative and aqueous-deficient dry eye (DE) and gland dysfunctions.
- To identify and analyze risk factors that destabilize the precorneal tear film (PTF).
Main Methods:
- A multidisciplinary and integrated approach was employed.
- Analysis included external eye physiology, specific eye diseases (DE subtypes, gland dysfunction), and risk factors.
- Risk factors evaluated encompassed indoor environment, occupational, and personal elements affecting PTF stability.
Main Results:
- Precorneal tear film (PTF) instability, leading to hyperosmolarity and inflammation, is central to eye irritation.
- Numerous factors were identified as aggravating PTF stability, including age, contact lens wear, cosmetics, diet, environmental conditions (draft, humidity, temperature), medication, pollutants, and VDU work.
- Psychological stressors can also influence symptom reporting.
Conclusions:
- A complex interplay of physiological, pathological, and environmental factors contributes to prevalent eye irritation in VDU users.
- Understanding these multifactorial risks is crucial for developing effective management and prevention strategies.
- The combined and exacerbating effects of various risk factors highlight the need for a holistic approach to managing eye discomfort.
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