Comparison of Accommodative Response After Reading from Electronic Devices versus Hardcopy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Vision Science
• Human Factors and Ergonomics

Background:

• Prolonged near work is common in modern lifestyles.
• Understanding the impact of different reading materials on visual function is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare changes in accommodative response after reading electronic devices versus hardcopy text.
• To evaluate visual strain associated with prolonged use of smartphones, laptops, and printed materials.

Main Methods:

• Thirty participants (mean age 24.29 years) underwent accommodative response measurements.
• Measurements included accommodation lag, amplitude, and facility before and after 60 minutes of reading.
• Tasks involved reading a printed book, smartphone, and laptop, with 24-hour breaks between each.

Main Results:

• Accommodative lag increased significantly after reading, with laptops showing the greatest increase (1.75 ± 0.50 D).
• Accommodative facility significantly decreased with laptop use compared to smartphones and hardcopy.
• No significant difference in the amplitude of accommodation was observed between laptop and hardcopy reading.

Conclusions:

• Sustained laptop use leads to greater accommodative lag and reduced accommodative facility.
• Hardcopy text reading better maintains accommodative facility than digital devices.
• Prolonged laptop use may induce more visual strain than smartphone or printed text reading.