The Influence of Type of Computer and VDT Work on the Dryness of Eye

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was performed in order to discover the influence of the different types of computer and VDT work on the dryness of eyes. METHODS: Forty people without eye disease were included in this study. The frequency of blinking, BUT and width of palpebral fissure were measured after working on documents with desktop computers and laptop (notebook) computers and playing computer games at PC-room for 30 minutes each. RESULTS: The BUT value was 7.0+/-2.52 seconds after working on document with laptop computers and 5.7+/-1.86 seconds with desktop computers. Whereas the frequency of blinking was almost the same, the width of palpebral fissure was 6.6+/-0.95 mm in the former and 7.7+/-1.07 mm in the latter. After playing computer games at PC-room for 30 minutes, the BUT was as low as 4.6+/-1.61 seconds. The frequency of blinking was as low as 7.7+/-2.52 times/minute, and width of palpebral fissure as high as 9.2+/-1.24 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The highest value of palpebral fissure and the lowest value of BUT were obtained after playing computer games at PC room. These results indicate that the most severe dryness of eyes results from playing computer games at PC room and leads to eye fatigue easily. This was followed in the order of severe dryness by working on documents with desktop computers and laptop (notebook) computers. Therefore, proper rest during computer work, use of artificial tears and improved environment of the VDT working room are required.