Symptomatic accommodative and binocular dysfunctions from the use of flat-panel displays

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Vision Science

Background:

• Video Display Unit (VDU) use is prevalent, raising concerns about potential visual discomfort.
• Non-presbyopic individuals using VDUs may experience eye strain and visual dysfunctions.
• Flat-panel displays are common, necessitating an understanding of their impact on visual health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of symptomatic accommodative and non-strabismic binocular dysfunctions (A_NSBD) in young VDU users.
• To identify specific types of A_NSBD prevalent among VDU users.
• To correlate visual dysfunctions with reported eye symptoms in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 101 non-presbyopic VDU users (aged 20-34) was initially recruited.
• Participants underwent screening for refractive errors, ocular diseases, and prior ocular surgeries or contact lens wear.
• Comprehensive assessment of accommodative and binocular vision status was performed on eligible participants.

Main Results:

• Eighty-nine VDU users were included in the final analysis.
• A significant prevalence of A_NSBD was found in 22.5% of the participants.
• Convergence excess was the most common dysfunction, followed by fusional vergence dysfunction and convergence insufficiency. Accommodative excess was the most frequent accommodative issue.

Conclusions:

• Symptomatic A_NSBD are common in young VDU users and should not be overlooked.
• Moderate to severe eye symptoms were reported by a notable portion of individuals with A_NSBD.
• Routine evaluation of accommodative and binocular vision is crucial for VDU users experiencing visual discomfort.