Self-Report of Eye Symptoms Associated With Using Computers

Introduction
The effect on eyes from working with computers was evaluated in several studies in the past. However, recently little attention has been devoted to this topic, which is evidently not considered to be highly relevant. Here we present data on self-reported eye symptoms associated with using computers, spontaneously referred to by workers in a questionnaire study of the Finnish working-age population, not including any specific question on the eye.

Methods
In 2002, a questionnaire including 21 multiple choice questions, e.g, on physical and mental symptoms, was sent to 15,000 Finns, aged 18–65 years. Eye symptoms were not included, but at end of the questionnaire, there was an open-ended question ‘‘other observations concerning technology and health.’’ The details of the questionnaire have been reported earlier (Korpinen et al., 2009).

Results
A total of 6121 (41%) responses arrived. In total, 1300 workers (about 21%), mean age 43 years, answered the open-ended question. There were 677 comments regarding computers and 177 comments regarding eye symptoms or vision while using computers. Eye symptoms associated with the use of the computer were spontaneously referred to by 130 workers. Typical symptoms were eye tiredness, eye pain, and stress. Some respondents also mentioned smarting, itching, gritty feeling, sensitivity, and redness in the eyes.

Discussion
The proportion of workers referring to computer-related eye symptoms was quite small, but since no specific questions were included in the questionnaire, only spontaneously referred to symptoms can be evaluated; this clearly suggests an underestimation. Our data supports idea of paying more attention to computer-referred to eye symptoms in future studies -- especially in the research of new devices, such as tablets and smart phones.

References
Korpinen, L. et. al, 2009. Int J Ind Ergonomics 39;105-114.