Prevalence of Asthenopia among Computer Users in Enugu; Southeast Nigeria

ABSTRACT

A cross-sectional survey of 560 computer users in Enugu urban; Enugu State was conducted between August and December 2002.The prevalence of asthenopic symptoms and risk factors to the occurrence of asthenopia were determined. Method: Interview was done using structured; pre-tested; interviewer- administered questionnaire. Subjects were examined with Snellen's chart to measure distance visual acuity; jaegers reading chart for near acuity; pen torch for anterior segment examination; direct ophthalmoscope for fundoscopy; streak retinoscope for refraction and metre tape for distance between the screen and the subject. Result: Out of 560 subjects interviewed and examined 401 (71.6) had asthenopic symptoms. Headache was the most common symptom occurring in 35of the subjects. Tearing was seen in 27.1; ocular discomfort or pains accounted for 26.6. Some subjects had more than one symptom. Presence of ametropia was found to be significantly related to the occurrence of asthenopia (P=0.0); as also the female gender compared to the males; P=0.0000007. Distance of operators to their monitors; age of operators and the use of screen filters did not seem to significantly influence occurrence of asthenopia (P= 0.71; P=0.55 and P=0.39 respectively). Majority of the subjects (96) had good vision (VA of 6/6- 6/18). Conclusion: Presence of ametropia is related to occurrence of asthenopia. Correction of existing ametropia would contribute to visual comfort of computer (vdt) users. Pre- employment and regular ocular examination should be made accessible to those who make regular and long use of computers