Journal List > J Korean Ophthalmol Soc > v.51(10) > 1008658

Suh, Kim, Kang, Kim, Oh, Kim, and Song: The Objective Methods to Evaluate Ocular Fatigue Associated With Computer Work

Abstract

Purpose

To develop methods for the objective measurement of ocular fatigue.

Methods

Fifteen patients were enrolled in the present study. Subjects performed visual tasks on a computer for one hour. A survey of ocular fatigue was conducted with a questionnaire. Tear breakup time, blinking rate, ocular protection index, conjunctival injection, maximal blinking interval, temperature of the ocular surface, and visual evoked potential were evaluated before and immediately after the task. Surface electromyography of the orbicularis oculi muscle was performed before and during the task.

Results

The survey showed increases in subjective ocular fatigue in all subjects. Tear breakup time, ocular protection index and maximal blinking interval decreased, while temperature of the ocular surface increased after the task. Conjunctival injection showed a tendency to increase. Electromyography, and visual evoked potential did not change significantly. Conclusions: In the present study, tear breakup time, ocular protection index, maximal blinking interval, and temperature of the ocular surface changed as ocular fatigue increased. Therefore, these measures can be objectively used for the evaluation of ocular fatigue.

Conclusions

In the present study, tear breakup time, ocular protection index, maximal blinking interval, and temperature of the ocular surface changed as ocular fatigue increased. Therefore, these measures can be objectively used for the evaluation of ocular fatigue.

References

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Figure 1.
The non-contact thermometer.
jkos-51-1327f1.tif
Figure 2.
(A) The surface electromyography (EMG) of orbucularis oculi muscle. (B) The wave pattern of EMG while a subject blinks. (C) The wave pattern of EMG while a subject squints.
jkos-51-1327f2.tif
Table 1.
Questionnaire for evaluating ocular fatigue
None
Mild
Moderate
Severe
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Tired eyes
Sore/aching eyes
Irritated eyes
Watery eyes
Dry eyes
Eyestrain
Hot/burning eyes
Blurred vision
Difficulty focusing
Vision discomfort
Table 2.
The results of evaluation for ocular fatigue before and after the visual task
Pre Post p
Tear breakup time (sec) 7.47 ± 3.15 5.54 ± 2.89 0.001
Maximal blinking interval (sec) 23.12 ± 15.52 17.09 ± 14.39 0.011
Ocular surface temperature (˚ C) 34.16 ± 0.49 34.44 ± 0.40 0.041
Conjunctival hyperemia Nasal 20.00 ± 7.56 22.00 ± 7.75 0.083
Temporal 22.67 ± 7.99 22.00 ± 7.75 0.157
Fusional convergence* Break point 20.06 ± 11.45 19.27 ± 10.34 0.388
Recovery point 11.60 ± 6.10 11.40 ± 4.68 0.615
Fusional divergence* Break point 9.60 ± 4.37 9.73 ± 4.90 0.752
Recovery point 7.56 ± 3.07 7.87 ± 4.44 0.722
VEP) Latency (sec) 99.9 ± 9.36 98.53 ± 10.44 0.31
Latency (sec) VEP Amplitude (µV) 4.42 ± 3.36 4.11 ± 2.73 0.463
Amplitude of surface EMG (µV/sec) 11.02 ± 2.50 11.23 ± 5.53 0.441

* Prism diopters.

Table 3.
Blinking rate and ocular protection index before and during the visual task
Resting Initial 5 minute Last 5 minute p
Blinking rate (/ min) 17.7 ± 4.61 10.0 ± 4.86 8.9 ± 4.62 0.00
Ocular protection index 2.16 ± 1.02 1.26 ± 0.79 0.84 ± 0.58 0.00
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