Accommodative and binocular vision disorders associated with video display terminals: diagnosis and management issues

With the rapid computerization of the workplace, school and home office, it is likely that a vast majority of Americans will be using computers for significant amounts of time in the near future. Research has demonstrated a high prevalence of accommodative and binocular vision disorders in symptomatic VDT users, which underscores the importance of the assessment and management of accommodation and binocular vision for patients working with computers.

This paper presents a simplified approach for the diagnosis and management of accommodative and binocular vision disorders in VDT users. The emphasis is on modifications of the traditional examination routine to make the assessment as sensitive as possible to the vision problems associated with VDT use.

To meet the needs of symptomatic VDT users, optometrists must perform a comprehensive assessment of accommodation and binocular vision. The use of appropriate testing, when combined with attention to the environmental factors associated with VDT use, will enable optometrists to understand the reasons for symptoms and design an effective treatment program.