ABSTRACT
Background: Nowadays computers being used in every aspect of life in both developed and developing countries. These electronic devices generate a form of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation which exerts negative influence on human health. Eyes are particularly vulnerable; thus computer vision syndrome or dry eye disease is the most frequent health problems among computer users. This study aims to assess toxic effects of computer generated radiation on eyes among a sample of Egyptian computer users
Subjects and Methods: this is a cross-sectional study conducted on 100 volunteers from both sexes who worked daily on a computer. All participants were subjected to a self-filling questionnaire including questions about personal information, work and workplace related information as well as, Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI] with 12 questions about symptoms of eye and vision problems
Results: this study revealed that more than three fourths [79.0%] of the studied computer workers suffered from symptoms of dry eye disease, 40.5% of them had severe eye affection, 26.6 % had moderate and 32.9 % had mild eye affection. Those with severe eye affection of participants with dry eye disease were using the computer for a mean duration of 10.3 +/- 2.4 hour/day and 70.9 % of them not taking regular rest during computer work. Wearing visual aids showed a significant association with dry eye disease [P = 0.002]
Conclusion: the majority of participants had symptoms of dry eye disease. The most vulnerable persons were those who wearing medical glasses or lenses and use the computer for around 10 h / day without regular rest. Occurrence of eye dryness was relevant to the presence of fan and air conditioner in the workplace. These results indicated the valuable role and the essential need for visual assessment of computer workers for early and proper diagnosis of dry eye disease in order to minimize its impact on their productivity and quality of life