Accommodative asthenopia among Romanian computer-using medical students-A neglected occupational disease

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Occupational Health
• Medical Education

Background:

• Increasing computer use leads to more ocular complaints, often termed computer vision syndrome or accommodative asthenopia.
• Accommodative asthenopia is a potential occupational condition lacking clear diagnostic criteria, resulting in under-recognition.
• Medical students are a population with high computer usage and potential risk for these visual issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of accommodative asthenopia among computer-using medical students.
• To identify the early symptoms associated with accommodative asthenopia in this demographic.
• To explore potential preventive measures for computer vision syndrome in medical students.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 420 medical students who regularly use computers.
• Data collection focused on the prevalence of symptoms related to accommodative asthenopia.
• Analysis aimed to identify the most frequent early warning signs.

Main Results:

• The study found high rates of early symptoms, with tired eyes/eye strain reported by 86.1% of students.
• Other common symptoms included burning eyes (46.8%), headaches (46.8%), and red-swollen eyes (43%).
• Photophobia, blurred vision, and eyelid spasms were also frequently reported.

Conclusions:

• Accommodative asthenopia presents with distinct early symptoms in computer-using medical students.
• These findings support the classification of accommodative asthenopia as a potential occupational disease.
• Establishing consensus diagnostic criteria for computer vision syndrome is crucial for better management and prevention.