Difference in Computer Vision Syndrome between Laptop and Desktop Computer Users
Abstract
Background: Occupational health is a key component of an industry. This is because a strong safety culture boosts productivity, employee morale, and employee retention. A strong ergonomics integration prevents injuries and increases productivity. They make the workplace safer and reduce costs. Ergonomics also must be incorporated and seen as a value. It needs to be built into a corporate culture and be integrated into everything any company does on a daily basis, including that in the administrative office where workers frequently use computers. This study aimed to analyze difference in computer-attributed vision problem between laptop and desktop computer users.
Subjects and Method: This was a cross sectional study conducted in North Sumatera. A sample of 60 subjects consisting of 30 laptop users and 30 desktop users were selected for this study by purposive sampling. The dependent variable was vision problem. The independent variable was computer type. The data were collected by questionnaire and tested by Mann Whitney test.
Results: Among the laptop users, 80% experienced neck pain, 77% eye strain, and 70% low back pain. Among the desktop-computer user, 50% experienced neck pain, 77% eye fatigue, and 33% eye irritation. Mean score of complaints in the laptop user group was 2.54 units higher than the desktop-computer user group (p= 0.001).
Conclusion: Laptop users experienced more complaints than desktop-computer users. Workers using computers are suggested to have regular break to allow body organs to take a rest. Workers are also suggested to work at an ample distance between eyes and computer screen. Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their workers.
Keywords: vision problem, computer-attributed, laptop, desktop computer, agronomy
Correspondence:
References
Affandi ES (2005). Sindrom Penglihatan Komputer. Majalah Kedokteran Indonesia. 55(3).
Akinbinu TR, Mashalla RJ (2014). Impact of Computer Technology on Health: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Academic Journal Medical Practice and Review. 5(3): 20-30.
Anies (2014). Kedokteran Okupasi Berbagai Penyakit Akibat Kerja dan Upaya Penanggulangan dari Aspek Kedokteran. Yogyakarta: Ar-Ruzz Media.
AOA (2016). Most Americans Experience Digital Eye Strain from Overexposure to Computers According to Survey. https://www.aoa.org/newsroom/mostamericansexperiencedigitaleyestrainfromoverexposuretocomputersaccordingtosurvey. Accessed on 31 October 2017.
Beck, Melinda (2010). Becoming a Squinter Nation: Glasses Can Correct Near and Far, but What About Those Screens in Between? The Wall Street Journal. Health Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704868604575433361436276340. Accessed on 20 December 2017.
Felix N, Chizurumoke M, Emmanuel E (2013). Measurement of magnetic fields from liquid crystal display (LCD) computer monitors. International Journal of Current Research, 5(7), 1771-73.
Galinsky E, M.S., & Ginsberg, S. (2016). Follow the '202020' rule for computer work. Work & Family Life; New York 31, 7/8 (Jul/Aug 2016): 3.
Gowrisankaran, and Sheedy, James E. (2014). Computer Vision Syndrome: A Review. IOS Press Content Library, 52: 303
Gupta R, Gour D, Meena M (2014). Interventional Cohort Study for Evaluation of Computer Vision Syndrome among Computer Workers. International Journal of Medical Research and Review, 2(1).
Kroemer KH, Kroemer AD (2001). Office Ergonomics. New York: Taylor and Francis Inc.
Loh KY, Reddy SC (2008). Understanding and Preventing Computer Vision Syndrome. Malaysian Family Physician. 3(3).
Mowry C, Ison DC (2015). Assessing Computer Vision Syndrome Risk for Pilots. Journal of Aviation/ Aerospace Education & Research, 24(2): 79.
OSHA (1997). Working Safely with Video Display Terminal. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/videoDisplay/videoDisplay.html. Accessed on 4 February 2018
Rathore I (2017). Computer Vision Syndrome
Reddy SC, Low CK, Lim YP, Low LL, Mardina F, Nursaleha MP (2013). Computer Vision Syndrome: A Study of Knowledge and Practices in University Students. Journal of Nepal Ophthalmology, 5(10): 161-168.
Rosenfield M (2011). Computer Vision Syndrome: a review of ocular causes and potential treatments. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 31(5): 502-515.
Rosenfield M (2016). Computer vision syndrome (a.k.a digital eye strain). Optometry, 17(1): 1-10.
Stack T, Ostrom LT, Wilhelmsen C (2016). Occupational Ergonomics: a Practical Approach. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.
Sugiyono (2014). Metode Penelitian Kombinasi (Mixed Methods). Bandung: Alfabeta
Torrey J (2003). Understanding Computer Vision Syndrome. Employment Relations Today, 30(1): 45-51
