Ergophthalmology in accounting offices: the computer vision syndrome (CVS)

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to determine the presence of the symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS) accounting office employees. Methods: The research tools used were a questionnaire based on the set of symptoms of CVS rated by Likert scale (1-5) and workplace observations based on Ergonomic Workplace Analysis (EWA). Results: The participants who worked with a viewing angle of less than 10º relative to the screen had more symptoms, particularly of pain in the back of the neck and back (p = 0.0460). The participants who used lighting other than 450 and 699 lux reported significant headache (p = 0.0045) and dry eye (p = 0.0329) symptoms. Younger workers had more headaches (p = 0.0182), and workers with fewer years of employment had more headaches and dry eyes symptoms (p = 0.0164 and p = 0.0479, respectively). A total of 37% of the participants reported a lack of guidance regarding prevention and painful symptoms in the back of the neck and back (p = 0.0936). Conclusion: Younger participants with fewer years of employment, who had not received information regarding proper computer use, who did not use lighting between 450 and 699 lux or who worked with viewing angles of less than 10º had more computer vision syndrome symptoms.

Keywords

• Ergonomics
• Ophthalmology
• Attitude to computers
• Lighting
• Eye health
• Working environment
• Occupational health