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Asthenopic and related symptoms are a major problem in school-going children. With the inception of computers and other gadgets for near work, the unseen problems arising out of constant and continuous near work, are on the rise. Parents wander from pillar to post, seeking respite from their child's constant complaints from near work; but despite best spectacle correction and avoidance of excessive near work, the complaints continue. Studies have shown that the majority of these problems arise from defects in accommodation, even in a young child. Therefore, various aspects of accommodation deficiencies have to be studied clinically, detected, and treated to ameliorate the symptoms.

PurposeTo compare the myopic progression before and during strict home confinement when coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and explore the potential influencing factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study. One hundred and fifteen myopic children (115 right eyes) who replace their frame-glasses from December 2019 to January 2020 and with complete refractive records in our hospital since myopia were involved in the study. At the beginning of the strict home confinement and after a 3-month strict home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were invited to our hospital to examine the axial length and refractive errors. And visual functions, convergence insufficiency symptom survey (CISS) scale and questionnaires were also performed. Besides, the axial length and refractive errors before the COVID-19 were got from outpatient case files. The effect of strict home confinement on myopia was assessed by comparing monthly axial elongation before COVID-19 and during strict home confinement. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlation between potential influencing factors and myopia progression.ResultsAxial length's monthly elongation during strict home confinement was 35% higher than normal periods (0.046 vs. 0.033 mm/month, P = 0.003). The proportion of severe asthenopia doubled (P = 0.020). For myopia progression, heredity, close indoor work time and electronic products were risk factors. Besides, the protective factors were age, rest time after continuous eye usage, sleep time and distance from eye to computer screen.ConclusionsDuring COVID-19, the decline in outdoor activities and increase of exposure time to digital screens accelerated the progression of myopia by 1/3.

Aim: Undesirable lighting can affect the visual system, as well as mental, neuropsychological, and physiological efficiency of staff. The present study was done to determine the effect of luminosity and nominal correlated color temperature (NCCT) on the extent of mental and visual fatigue under experimental conditions among students at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was done in summer 2022 on 12 students at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. To measure the mental fatigue, flicker fusion method, while for visual fatigue, Rajabi questionnaire was used. In this study, two lamps with NCCT 3000 K and 6000 K were used at three angles 15°, 30°, 45°. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 20.91 years. At both NCCT 6000 K and 3000 K, the maximum and minimum extent of visual fatigue occurred at angles 15° and 45°, while the maximum and minimum mental fatigue score happened at 45° and 15°, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean scores of mental fatigue (P < 0.001) and visual fatigue (P < 0.001) between 60000K and 300000K at 0.01 level. Conclusion: The NCCT and angle of the light source position can contribute to the development of mental and visual fatigue. Once the angle of radiation increased, the extent of mental and visual fatigue diminished. The extent of mental fatigue, as with visual fatigue, was greater at 3000 K compared to 6000 K.

Background: In workplaces heavily reliant on visual tasks, various factors can significantly influence an individual's performance, necessitating the use of reliable tools to identify and mitigate these factors., Objective: This study aimed to develop a swift assessment method for visual ergonomics and lighting conditions, evaluating its validity in real-world scenarios., Methods: The questionnaire's content validity was determined by a panel of experts using the content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI). Construct validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and latent class analysis (LCA). Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The RAVEL index, derived from the calculated effect coefficients of items, classified total scores through receiver operator curves (ROCs)., Results: The rapid assessment method, comprising two parts with 30 items, demonstrated acceptable reliability with CVR, CVI, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α) at 0.75, 0.87, and 0.896, respectively. The EFA on the first part's 22 items identified three factors, confirmed by CFA. The LCA on the second part's eight items revealed that a two-class model best fit the data, with Bayesian information criterion (BIC) = 24249, 17, Akaik information criterion (AIC) = 2179.89, and an entropy R-squared of 0.83, indicating appropriate subject classification based on the model. The RAVEL score was categorized into three levels, with optimal cut points of 55 and 63., Conclusions: In conclusion, the study demonstrated that this method based on visual ergonomics serves as a rapid and reliable tool for assessing visual ergonomic risks of display users in the workplace.

Background: The American Optometric Association defines computer vision syndrome (CVS), also known as digital eye strain, as "a group of eye- and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader and cell phone use". We aimed to create a well-structured, valid, and reliable questionnaire to determine the prevalence of CVS, and to analyze the visual, ocular surface, and extraocular sequelae of CVS using a novel and smart self-assessment questionnaire., Methods: This multicenter, observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, survey-based, online study included 6853 complete online responses of medical students from 15 universities. All participants responded to the updated, online, fourth version of the CVS questionnaire (CVS-F4), which has high validity and reliability. CVS was diagnosed according to five basic diagnostic criteria (5DC) derived from the CVS-F4. Respondents who fulfilled the 5DC were considered CVS cases. The 5DC were then converted into a novel five-question self-assessment questionnaire designated as the CVS-Smart., Results: Of 10 000 invited medical students, 8006 responded to the CVS-F4 survey (80% response rate), while 6853 of the 8006 respondents provided complete online responses (85.6% completion rate). The overall CVS prevalence was 58.78% (n = 4028) among the study respondents; CVS prevalence was higher among women (65.87%) than among men (48.06%). Within the CVS group, the most common visual, ocular surface, and extraocular complaints were eye strain, dry eye, and neck/shoulder/back pain in 74.50% (n = 3001), 58.27% (n = 2347), and 80.52% (n = 3244) of CVS cases, respectively. Notably, 75.92% (3058/4028) of CVS cases were involved in the Mandated Computer System Use Program. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the two most statistically significant diagnostic criteria of the 5DC were ≥2 symptoms/attacks per month over the last 12 months (odds ratio [OR] = 204177.2; P < 0.0001) and symptoms/attacks associated with screen use (OR = 16047.34; P < 0.0001). The CVS-Smart demonstrated a Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of 0.860, Guttman split-half coefficient of 0.805, with perfect content and construct validity. A CVS-Smart score of 7-10 points indicated the presence of CVS., Conclusions: The visual, ocular surface, and extraocular diagnostic criteria for CVS constituted the basic components of CVS-Smart. CVS-Smart is a novel, valid, reliable, subjective instrument for determining CVS diagnosis and prevalence and may provide a tool for rapid periodic assessment and prognostication. Individuals with positive CVS-Smart results should consider modifying their lifestyles and screen styles and seeking the help of ophthalmologists and/or optometrists. Higher institutional authorities should consider revising the Mandated Computer System Use Program to avoid the long-term consequences of CVS among university students. Further research must compare CVS-Smart with other available metrics for CVS, such as the CVS questionnaire, to determine its test-retest reliability and to justify its widespread use., Competing Interests: None., (© Author(s).)

To review home- and office-based vergence and accommodative therapies for treatment of convergence insufficiency (CI) in children and young adults up to 35 years of age. Literature searches were conducted through October 2020 in the PubMed database for English-language studies. The combined searches yielded 359 abstracts, of which 37 were reviewed in full text. Twelve of these were considered appropriate for inclusion in this assessment and assigned a level of evidence rating by the panel methodologist. Of the 12 studies included in this assessment, 8 were graded as level I evidence, 2 were graded as level II evidence, and 2 were graded as level III evidence. Two of the level I studies included older teenagers and young adults; the remainder of the studies exclusively evaluated children. Two randomized controlled trials found that office-based vergence and accommodative therapies were effective in improving motor outcomes in children with symptomatic CI. However, the studies reported conflicting results on the efficacy of office-based therapy for treating symptoms of CI. Data were inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of home-based therapies (including pencil push-ups and home computer therapy) compared with home placebo. In young adults, office-based vergence and accommodative therapies were not superior to placebo in relieving symptoms of CI. Level I evidence suggests that office-based vergence and accommodative therapies improve motor outcomes in children with symptomatic CI, although data are inconsistent regarding symptomatic relief. Evidence is insufficient to determine whether home-based therapies are effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) self-quarantine period, the transition to online-course has profoundly changed the learning modes of millions of school-aged children and put them at an increased risk of asthenopia. Therefore, we aimed to determine associations of the total screen/online-course time with asthenopia prevalence among that children during the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether the associations were mediated by psychological stress.Methods: Asthenopia was defined according to a validated computer vision syndrome questionnaire (CVS-Q). We used CVS-Q to collect the frequency and intensity of 16 asthenopia-related eye symptoms of 25,781 children. Demographic features, eye care habits, visual disorders, lifestyle, psychological and environmental factors, were also collected.Results: The overall asthenopia prevalence was 12.1%, varying from 5.4 to 18.2% across grade/gender-classified subgroups. A 100-h increment of total screen/online-course time were associated with an increased risk of asthenopia by 9% [odds ratio (OR) = 1.09] and 11% (OR = 1.11), respectively. Mediation analysis showed that the proportions of total effects mediated by psychological stress were 23.5 and 38.1%, respectively. Age, female gender, having myopia or astigmatism, bad habits when watching screens were also risk factors. Conversely, keeping 34–65 cm between eyes and screen, increased rest time between classes, and increased eye exercise were all associated with a decreased risk.Conclusion: Our study indicated that the influence of long total screen or online-course time on psychological stress increases asthenopia risk. The findings of this study have provided a new avenue for intervening screen-related asthenopia in addition to incorporating a reasonable schedule of online courses into educational policy.

Accommodative spasm (AS) is a rare involuntary asthenopic condition occurring in children, adolescents and young adults who engage more in near work. It presents as a repetitive condition of accommodation, which shows a tendency to maintain accommodation in the absence of a stimulus. Here, we discuss in brief about AS with reference to a patient who reported to us with such a condition.

Objective To understand the relationship between the visual fatigue of college students and the exposure of terminal screens during the novel coronavirus pneumonia (New Coronary Pneumonia) epidemic. Methods The cluster sampling method of the current situation survey was adopted. From March 1 to July 1, 2020, a questionnaire survey of 2671 college students in Hefei City, Anhui Province was conducted to analyze the eye discomfort, daily eye use and eye care of college students during the new coronary pneumonia epidemic. Situation and so on. Results Among the 2 671 college students, 1 860 cases were positive for asthenopia, with a total positive rate of 69.64%. Eye fatigue [5646% (1508/2671)], dry eyes [46.01% (1 229/2 671)], eye swelling [ The incidence of 38.26% (1022/2671)], eye itching and pain [28.15% (752/2 671)] ranked the top 4. Lunch break habits and the number of drinking glasses per day are common protective factors for eye fatigue, dry eyes, sore eyes, and itchy eyes; closing doors and windows during online classes and staying up late each week are common risks for eye fatigue, dry eyes, and sore eyes Factors; daytime terminal screen exposure time is a common risk factor for dry eyes, sore eyes, and itchy eyes. Conclusion During the new crown pneumonia epidemic, the incidence of visual fatigue among college students is relatively high. Terminal screen exposure is one of the risk factors for visual fatigue. Reducing the exposure time of college students to terminal screens is an effective measure to prevent visual fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work of air traffic control specialists require several hours looking at screens, and they comprise a group particularly exposed to digital-related eye strain. In this review we aim to understand the quantitative and qualitative methods currently used to diagnose and evaluate asthenopia in air traffic control specialists. A bibliographic search was carried out at the databases PubMed® and ClinicalKey®, using keywords, and selecting review articles and observational studies, dated after 2000, containing the keywords in the title and/o abstract. Articles not published in English were excluded. There are several subjective and objective methods to better describe digital-related eye strain, including questionnaires, aiming to make diagnosis of dry eye disease or changes in accommodation and convergence. From our analysis, there are few prospective studies with moderate and high levels of evidence regarding these diagnostic methods. The Computer-Vision Symptom Scale seems to be a reliable questionnaire to be applied to air traffic control specialists, for diagnosis of digital-related eye strain. Several objective methods can also be employed in this evaluation, and, in a later stage, it will be important to apply both diagnostic methods to evaluate the prevalence of this condition in air traffic control specialists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of asthenopia and its associated factors in a sample of university students in Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants were selected using multistage cluster sampling. Presence of at least one of the 10 symptoms—foreign body sensation, diplopia, blurred vision, eye swelling, dry eye, eye pain, difficulty in sustaining visual operations, decreased visual acuity, tearing, and photophobia—was considered as asthenopia. Ocular examinations, including uncorrected/corrected visual acuity measurement, objective/subjective refraction, cover test, amplitude of accommodation (AA), and near point of convergence (NPC) were performed. Results: Of the 1,462 students (mean age: 22.8 ± 3.1 years), 73% were women. The age- and gender-standardized prevalence was 70.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 68.3–73.5), 39.8% (95% CI: 36.4–43.1), and 19.7% (95% CI: 16.0–23.3) based on the presence of at least one, two, and three symptoms, respectively. The prevalence was significantly higher in females (P = 0.048), hyperopic students (P < 0.001), and astigmatic participants (P < 0.001). The mean AA and NPC were 9.7 ± 2.6 D and 10.2 ± 4.2 D (P = 0.008) and 7.0 ± 2.1 cm and 7.7 ± 3.9 cm (P < 0.001) in participants with and without asthenopia, respectively. Multiple regression model revealed age (28–29 years), astigmatism, and NPC as independent associated factors (odds ratios: 3.51, 1.61, and 0.91, respectively). Conclusion: This study shows relatively high prevalence of asthenopia in university students. Demographic factors and visual system disorders are important risk factors and timely correction of conditions may lead to decreased asthenopia.

Introduction: Given the increasing use of electronic devices, and the increasing number of complaints with its use, we intend to evaluate the prevalence of manifestations of dry eye and ocular fatigue in a population of individuals, who use the computer daily to perform all their professional tasks, as well as to correlate these complaints with the number of hours of digital use as well as their possible improvement with behavioural measures and use of tear drops. Material and Methods: A total of 77 individuals (154 eyes) were evaluated on two separate days with a 1-month interval. They completed two questionnaires: OSDI and PEG Eye Fatigue. An objective ocular surface assessment was performed: Schirmer test without anesthetic, DR-1a Dry Eye Monitor™, hyperemia evaluation, lacrimal break up, presence of keratitis and lesions in the conjunctiva, as well as near accommodation point and near convergence point. After the first evaluation, the subjects were divided into two groups: group A (< 2 hours of computer working) and group B (> 2 hours of computer working). Some environmental measures to reduce complaints and recommendation of use of artificial tears were explained to the latter. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the majority of the parameters evaluated in the group B, in relation to the morning period (group A) - tear film (p = 0.032), hyperemia (p < 0.001), BUT (p < 0.001), keratitis (p < 0.001), conjunctival lesion (p = 0.002) and accommodation point (p < 0.001). In the evaluation – one month later - there were no statistically significant differences in any of the parameters analysed in the group A, and in group B there was a decrease in most parameters at the end of that period - Schirmer test (p = 0.005), lacrimal film (p = 0.022), keratitis (p < 0.001), conjunctival lesion (p = 0.005) and fatigue score (p < 0.001). Discussion: It was thus possible to show the appearance of ocular fatigue and ocular surface changes with prolonged use of computers (> 2 hours) as well as a significant improvement in symptomatology (subjective assessment) as well as of ocular surface changes (objective evaluation) with the implementation of postural measures, regular breaks and use of lubricants. This is the first study, to the best of our knowledge, of digital asthenopia in which, in addition to the subjective evaluation, the presence of ocular surface modifications (objective assessment) were evaluated and the respective improvement with the aforementioned ergophthalmological measures were evaluated. Conclusion: This survey highlights the increased overall level of awareness that we need to have to face the rapid and wide-scale changes driven by the emergence of digital technology and, more particularly, its impact on user’s vision and posture. We concluded that the longer we use the electronic devices (more than two hours) the more severe the complaints and rates of ocular surface changes are. Environmental and ocular strategies can attenuate or even eliminate the discomfort caused by this syndrome, and increase professional performance and quality of life.

The authors consider presented in the literature tested new approaches to diagnosis, prevention and correction of symptoms of asthenopia in persons visually-intense work related to theoretical aspects of asthenopia in fact, the selection of spectacle correction and application of a multidisciplinary approach. Determines the pattern of allocation in the traditional classification of asthenopia (accommodative, muscular, sensory) classification criterion is the presence or absence of phenomena of psychological maladjustment. Along with this, it is established that the astigmatic component correction of complex myopic astigmatism, it is advisable to perform in the range of 60–75 % of the required (according to cycloplegics examination of refraction). At the same time, the level of visual performance (in the most difficult conditions of presentation of test information of the type “choice of signal from several — evaluation of the signal — response ratio”) with incomplete (60–75 %) correction by 12.7–20.4 % (p < 0.05) is higher than with partial (75–85 %) and complete, taking into account minor differences in the achieved visual acuity (0.04–0.08, p > 0.05). In addition, the practical expediency of applying a multidisciplinary approach to the correction of asthenopia, based on the complex effects of specific and non-specific methods of stimulation of vision. It was found that the combined use of multidirectional technologies of physical impact (low-energy laser radiation, cranial osteopathic effects and special training of the cervical-thoracic spine) provides effective correction of accommodation disorders, which is confirmed by a pronounced, statistically significant positive dynamics of clinical and functional, ophthalmic-ergonomic and subjective indicators of the visual system after a course of therapeutic and restorative measures.

AIM: To research the clinical effects of visual display terminal(VDT)syndrome after local treatment near the eyes in combination with systemic comprehensive treatment.METHODS: Totally 62 patients(124 eyes)with VDT syndrome were randomly divided into a trial group and a control group, 31 cases(62 eyes)in each group. In the control group, artificial tears as eye drops were given. In addition to the above local treatment with artificial tears, the trial group was also treated with the auricular acupressure and tuina at the acupoints near orbits and the whole body. A health education was carried out in both of the two groups. The course of the treatment of the two groups was 2wk. The symptomatic scores, and the amplitude of accommodation, facility of accommodation, accommodative response, near point of convergence and the ratio of accommodative convergence to accommodation(AC/A)based on refractive error correction of all the patients were detected before and after the treatment. The parameters gained before and after the treatment were compared for evaluating efficacy. RESULTS: After treatment, the symptomatic scores and facility of accommodation of the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment(PPCONCLUSION: Local treatment near the eyes in combination with systemic comprehensive treatment can effectively improve the accommodative and convergent functions of patients with VDT syndrome, and relieve their symptoms of asthenopia and fatigue.

Background and Aims: Watching 3D images are known to induce more ocular, systemic fatigue and discomfort, which can be referred to as '3D asthenopia', than watching two-dimensional (2D) images. This study was designed to determine the stereo acuity levels among college students and compare it with the hours of use of digital technology. Methods: University students in the age group of 18-25 years were screened for visual acuity for distance and near. Refraction was done to find the presence of refractive errors. Those students who had no vergence or accommodation dysfunction and orthophoria were only included in the study. Stereopsis was assessed using random dot stereo acuity chart. The stereo acuity results were grouped as either normal (20 arc seconds or better), Borderline (25 arc seconds to 40 arc seconds) and reduced stereopsis (50 arc seconds to 400 arc seconds). Students were also questioned about the hours of use of digital media. Results: The average age of the 246 participates was 20 ± 1.9 years with 78 (32%) were males and 168 (68%) were females. 7% of the population was found to be myopic in our study. The hours of use of digital technology ranged from 0-9 hours a day. Only 13.1% of the student's population met the normal level of stereopsis (20 arc seconds). Around 44.3% of the study population was found to have borderline stereopsis. Also 42.6% of the study population, reduced stereopsis was found. Among the reduced stereo acuity levels, we found stereoacuity levels as low as 100-200 arc seconds were found in nearly 17.6% of the study population. Conclusion: It is very much evident from this study that a large group of college students are not enjoying the highest level of binocular vision, which in turn can have a negative impact on their academic performance.

Laser technologies of corneal surgery perfection was one of the important events in ophthalmology in the past decades. Despite to the significant success in refractive surgery and the achieved high result in visual acuity, the ideal healing of the cornea, the absence of dry eye syndrome, some patients in the postoperative period present asthenopic complaints. Patients may notice a decrease in visual acuity when working near, difficulty in refocusing from far to near distance, fuzzy, blurred images, red eyes, tearing, periodic or permanent diplopia at different distances in the postoperative period. Adaptation to emmetropic refraction in these patients can cause discomfort, headache and visual fatigue even with insignificant visual loads, which leads to the development of asthenopia and worsening of their subjective status. Corneal refractive surgery leads to changes in the anatomical and optic parameters of the eye, which contributes to the formation of new accommodation-convergence interactions. If the accommodative and binocular functions were disrupted preoperatively, there is a risk of decompensation and development of postoperative asthenopic syndrome (AS). Refractive surgery, saving patients from glasses and contact lenses, can not completely eliminate their existing imbalances between accommodation and convergence. This can be explained with the fact that the existence of a formed pathological system does not cease with the elimination of the etiologic factor. In order to correct the disturbed parameters, additional research methods and effective methods of functional treatment of patients in the postoperative period were suggested. However, most of them are aimed at pathogenetic effects on accommodative muscles, often without taking into account disturbances in the oculomotor apparatus and binocular function. Thus, existing algorithms for investigating and managing patients with refractive disorders do not allow us to identify predictors for the development of asthenopia before refractive surgery, there is no set of preventive restoration measures aimed at restoring accommodative capacity and binocular interaction in the preoperative period to increase satisfaction with the results of surgery in patients at risk of postoperative AS.

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Purpose: Previous reports indicate that "eye fatigue" occurs in roughly 60 % of the adult population using digital devices and may negatively impact quality of life. However, the construct of eye fatigue remains poorly understood. The goal of this study was to quantify the relationship among symptoms most frequently associated with eye fatigue in those using digital devices.Methods: Six hundred and two soft contact lens (SCL) wearers and 127 non-contact lens (non-CL) wearers who reported using digital devices at least 4 hours per day completed a questionnaire assessing the frequency and severity of ten symptoms commonly associated with digital device-related eye fatigue. Subjective ratings were made separately for each symptom using unipolar, five-point Likert scales.Results: From the initial pool of respondents, 89 % of the SCL wearers reported experiencing eye fatigue more than once per month, while over 60 % reported more than once per week. Notably, eye fatigue frequency did not differ between the soft contact and non-contact lens groups. Although eye strain/pain, dryness, and tired eyes were the most frequently endorsed symptoms by both groups, only dryness and eye irritation were significant factors that discriminated the SCL from the non-CL wearers on the basis of frequency and severity. Principal component analysis indicated that eye strain/pain, soreness, tired eyes, and headaches may comprise a "primary sensations" factor, whereas burning, eye irritation, tearing and dryness comprise a "secondary or surface sensations" factor, and blurred/double vision and words move/float comprise a "visual sensations" factor. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of frequency and severity ratings for SCL wearers yielded excellent fits (RMSEA = 0.046 and 0.050, respectively) with construct reliabilities ranging from 0.729 to 0.824.Conclusion: Frequent and severe eye fatigue is highly prevalent among both soft contact lens and non-contact lens wearers. Those utilizing SCL do not experience symptoms at higher frequency or severity. Key descriptors of digital eye fatigue have been identified and may then be used to help identify and evaluate specific causative, palliative, or ameliorating factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe an unexpected sensory outcome in an adult male who is seeking ocular re-alignment for a psychosocially symptomatic large non-specific exotropia with suppression. The primary diagnosis was infant onset exodeviation of unclear diagnosis, was managed with bilateral strabismus surgery at two years of age, little memory of follow-up. Result: Measurable binocular single vision (BSV) was demonstrable following surgery at 17 years of age, albeit slowly between two weeks and six months postoperatively and subsequently enhanced. His newly acquired sub-optimal BSV led to symptomatic occupation-associated asthenopia. Following two subsequent operations over a 15-year period, he has stable, symptom-free ocular realignment within three prism diopters of orthophoria and performing tasks that require extended periods of nearvision activity. Conclusion: Delayed high levels of stereovision were unexpectedly achieved in an adult with infant onset exotropia with pre-operative sensory suppression that was surgically aligned to near orthophoria. The re-establishment of BSV in such a clinical scenario has to attain a level that is robust enough to meet an individual's social and occupational needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare and analyse the diagnostic efficacy of the College of Optometrists Vision Development Quality of Life Questionnaire (COVD-QOL) and the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) in detecting convergence insufficiency and to compare their diagnostic value in clinical applications., Methods: Using the diagnostic test method, 62 adult patients with convergence insufficiency (age: 24.74±3.75y) and 62 normal participants (age: 23.61±3.13y) who visited the Optometry Clinic of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from April 2021 to January 2023 were included. All subjects completed the CISS and COVD-QOL. Statistical analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of the CISS and COVD-QOL and comparison and joint experimental analysis of their diagnostic efficacy were performed., Results: The sensitivity of the CISS and COVD-QOL for convergence insufficiency was 64.5% and 71.0%, respectively, while the specificity was 96.8% and 67.7%, respectively. Compared to the CISS alone, the combination of the CISS and COVD-QOL demonstrated lower sensitivity and specificity. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of CISS, COVD-QOL and CISS combined with COVD-QOL were 0.806, 0.694 and 0.782, respectively., Conclusion: Considering the low sensitivity of the CISS and the low specificity of the COVD-QOL, it is recommended to supplement these questionnaires with other screening tests for the detection of convergence insufficiency., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: Xiong L, None; Chen Q, None; Wu Y, None., (International Journal of Ophthalmology Press.)

Fatigue deteriorates the performance of a brain-computer interface (BCI) system; thus, reliable detection of fatigue is the first step to counter this problem. The fatigue evaluated by means of electroencephalographic (EEG) signals has been studied in many research projects, but widely different results have been reported. Moreover, there is scant research when considering the fatigue on steady-state visually evoked potential (SSVEP)-based BCI. Therefore, nowadays, fatigue detection is not a completely solved topic. In the current work, the issues found in the literature that led to the differences in the results are identified and saved by performing a new experiment on an SSVEP-based BCI system. The experiment was long enough to produce fatigue in the users, and different SSVEP stimulation ranges were used. Additionally, the EEG features commonly reported in the literature (EEG rhythms powers, SNR, etc.) were calculated as well as newly proposed features (spectral features and Lempel-Ziv complexity). The analysis was carried out on O1, Oz and O2 channels. This work found a tendency of displacement from high-frequency rhythms to low-frequency ones, and thus, better EEG features should present a similar behaviour. Then, the 'relative power' of EEG rhythms, the rates (θ + α)/β, α/β and θ/β, some spectral features (central and mean frequencies, asymmetry and kurtosis coefficients, etc.) and Lempel-Ziv complexity are proposed as reliable EEG features for fatigue detection. Hence, this set of features may be used to construct a more trustworthy fatigue index., (© 2024. International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering.)

Objective: To investigate the differences in reading efficiency and visual fatigue between the use of augmented reality (AR) glasses and laptops. Methods: A prospective self-controlled study was conducted. Healthy students from Capital Medical University who frequently engaged in long-term near work and used laptops and other digital display devices were recruited as subjects at Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University between November 1 and November 15, 2023. LogMAR visual acuity, visual functions (accommodation, convergence, and fusion), and visual fatigue scores (Likert visual fatigue scale) of the participants were assessed. The order of using the laptop and AR glasses for each participant was determined by a coin toss. Reading efficiency (reading speed and error rate multiplied by the detection rate of incorrect numbers) with different devices for 10 minutes at the same time on different dates and visual fatigue scores after watching a 20-minute video were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: A total of 20 eligible subjects were included, comprising 7 males and 13 females, with a mean age of (25.45±2.27) years. There was no significant change in binocular visual acuity before and after using AR glasses and laptops (both P >0.05). The reading speed and reading efficiency of using AR glasses [(34.03±9.25) and (29.19±7.62) digits/min, respectively] were significantly lower than those of using laptops [(39.43±10.36) and (35.67±9.87) digits/min, respectively] ( t =4.36, P <0.001), while the difference in error detection rate was not statistically significant ( t =1.29, P =0.213). There was no statistically significant difference in visual fatigue scores before watching videos with the two devices ( Z =-0.71, P =0.480). However, the visual fatigue score after watching videos with AR glasses [(20.55±5.04) points] was significantly higher than that with laptops [16.50 (13.00, 19.75) points] ( Z =-2.85, P =0.004). The visual fatigue scores after watching videos with both devices were significantly higher than before ( P <0.05), with a more significant increase observed with AR glasses [(6.05±3.50) points] ( Z =-3.41, P <0.001). Conclusion: Compared with using laptops, the reading speed and efficiency were lower, and the visual fatigue was more pronounced with the use of AR glasses at the current technical level. Further optimization and improvement of AR glasses are warranted.

Purpose. A comparative analysis of the results of two-stage optico-functional rehabilitation of patients with a high risk of postoperative asthenopic syndrome (AS).Materials and methods. 36 patients (72 eyes) who had no binocular vision at a distance of 5 m and had a symmetrical position of the eyes, or a position close to symmetry, were randomly divided into 2 equal groups of comparison. Patients in both groups underwent functional treatment followed by the correction of refractive errors with FemtoLASIK technology. To eliminate accommodation dysfunctions, a medical device OXYS was used. Diploptic treatment was carried out using a Speckle-M laser apparatus and Bagolini raster glasses. To expand fusional reserves, a prism compensator (OKP-20, Russia) and a Speckle-M laser apparatus were used. The patients of the first group underwent a fast course of medical and functional rehabilitation for 5 working days (2 times a day with a break of 2–3 hours). As an additional pharmacological support, daily instillations of phenylephrine hydrochloride 2.5 % without preservatives were prescribed. The other group received the same functional treatment for 10 working days.Results. After the fast and the standard rehabilitation courses, the patients revealed an increase in absolute accommodation and a decrease in the coefficient of micro fluctuations, an expansion of fusional reserves, an increase in stereovision acuity, and an increased number of cases of binocular vision. No statistically significant difference of clinical and functional parameters obtained as a result of the fast and the standard rehabilitation courses was revealed.Conclusions. Functional and medicament treatment of patients with refractive disorders and the absence of binocular vision prior to FemtoLASIK is shown to be effective. This treatment reduces the risk of postoperative AS and increases the patient’s satisfaction with the results of the surgery.

According to the definition of the Expert council on accommodation and refraction, asthenopia is a functional disorder of vision with typical symptoms manifested in the fact that visual work becomes difficult or impossible. The paper suggests a classification of asthenopias which generalizes literary data and takes account of the authors’ own research results. The classification distinguishes among four forms of asthenopia, depending on the causes inducing the condition: accommodative (or refractive-accommodative), muscular (motoric), sensory (neuroreceptive) and psycho-emotional asthenopia. We also propose to distinguish three stages of asthenopia with regard to the severity of the symptoms: compensation, subcompensation, and decompensation stages // Russian Ophthalmological Journal, 2016; 4: 69-73. doi: 10.21516/2072-0076-2016-9-4-69-73 .

AIM: To investigate the associations between fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of asthenopia among Chinese college students. METHODS: A total of 1022 students were selected from five universities by a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method. They were surveyed via a self-administered questionnaire including socio-demographic features, dietary and lifestyle habits, eye-related symptoms, eye care habits and history of diseases. Ascertainment of asthenopia was based on participants' subjectively reported symptoms. The associations between fruit and vegetable intake with asthenopia risk were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant associations between total fruit and vegetable, total vegetable, or fruit and the risk of asthenopia. Higher intake of dark-green leafy vegetable was likely to be inversely associated with asthenopia risk [odd ratio (OR): 0.60; 95%CI: 0.37-0.97; Ptrend=0.21] after controlling for nondietary and dietary risk factors. Stratified analysis showed that the inverse association between dark-green leafy vegetable intake and asthenopia risk was limited to participants with suboptimal eyesight (OR: 0.45; 95%CI: 0.25-0.82; Ptrend=0.05), wearing glasses (OR: 0.35; 95%CI: 0.17-0.72; Ptrend=0.03) or using computer ≥3h/d (OR: 0.48; 95%CI: 0.25-0.93; Ptrend=0.08). CONCLUSION: A higher consumption of dark-green leafy vegetable is associated with a lower asthenopia risk among college students with suboptimal eyesight and poor eye care habits.

AIM: To analyse visual modifications such as amplitude of accommodation, near point of convergence(NPC)reopsis and near phoria associated with asthenopic symptoms after 3D viewing at varying distances.METHODS: A prospective study. Thirty young adults were randomly selected. Each individual was exposed to 3D viewing thrice in a day for a fixed distance and the distance was varied on three consecutive days. Same video of equal duration and different screen sizes were used for every distance. Cyclic 3D mode of K-multimedia(KM)player was used for projecting the 3D video. Different variables like stereopsis, amplitude of accommodation, near point of accommodation, near phoria and asthenopic symptoms were recorded immediately after 3D video viewing. Stereopsis was measured with “Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek” or “Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research”(TNO test), amplitude of accommodation and NPC were measured using RAF ruler, near phoria was measured using prism bar and a closed ended sample questionnaire was used to know the occurrence of asthenopic symptoms. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test etc. Qualitative data was analyzed using Chi-square test.RESULTS: For every distance of 40 cm, 3 m and 6 m, amplitude of accommodation was significantly reduced by 0.66 D, 1.12 D and 1.44 D. NPC got significantly receded by 0.63 cm, 0.93 cm and 1.23 cm, and the near phoria was significantly increased by 0.87, and 2.2 prism dioptres(PD)base-in respectively. It was found that most of the subjects got pain around the eyes, headache and irritation for each viewing distance. This study also revealed that 3D video viewing in theaters may increase the symptoms of headache, watering and irritation. Symptoms like headache, watering, fatigue, irritation and nausea may increase considerably at home environment and symptoms such as headache and watering may cause significant discomfort by 3D viewing using a laptop.CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in amplitude of accommodation, NPC, near phoria and asthenopic symptoms before and after viewing a 3D video and also at three viewing distances. There was a predominant occurrence of asthenopic symptoms after 3D video viewing at different distances.

William Reindel,1 Lening Zhang,1 Joseph Chinn,2 Marjorie Rah1 1Vision Care, Bausch & Lomb Inc, Rochester, NY, 2J Chinn LLC, Lafayette, CO, USA Purpose: Individuals approaching presbyopia may exhibit ocular symptoms as they contend with visual demands of near work, coupled with natural age-related changes in accommodation. Therefore, accommodation and vergence of 30- to 40-year-old, myopic, soft contact lens wearing subjects with symptoms of asthenopia and no history of using multifocal lenses were evaluated.Patients and methods: In this prospective, observational study, 253 subjects with asthenopia were evaluated by 25 qualified practitioners, each at a different clinical site. Subjects were 30–40 years in age, had symptoms of soreness, eyestrain, tired eyes, or headaches with near work, regularly performed 2–3 consecutive hours of near work, and were undiagnosed with presbyopia. Amplitude of accommodation (AC) and near point convergence (NPC) were measured with a Royal Air Force binocular gauge. Triplicate push up and push down AC and NPC measures were recorded, and average AC values were compared to those calculated using the Hofstetter formula (HF). Results: The average AC push up/push down value was significantly better than the HF prediction for this age range (8.04±3.09 vs 6.23±0.80 D), although 22.5% of subjects had mean AC below their HF value (5.36±0.99 D). The average NPC push up/push down value was 12.0±4.69 cm. The mean binocular AC value using the push up measure was significantly better than the push down measure (8.5±3.4 vs 7.6±3.0 D). The mean NPC value using the push up measure was significantly worse than the push down measure (13.0±5.0 vs 11.0±4.7 cm). The most frequent primary diagnosis was ill-sustained accommodation (54%), followed by accommodative insufficiency (18%), and accommodative infacility (12%). Conclusion: Based upon a standardized assessment of accommodation and vergence, ill-sustained accommodation was the most frequent diagnosis among this population. Keywords: eyestrain, myopia, accommodation, vergence, lag, spherical aberration

Advances in dental operative microscopes (DOMs) enable examination of root canal morphology or detection of root fractures otherwise not visible to the naked eye. However, dental therapy involving prolonged use of DOMs requires precision within a limited visual field, resulting in eye strain among users. This study examined the effects of halogen and light-emitting diode (LED) light sources on asthenopia and visual function following use of DOMs. The study used halogen and LED light sources in DOMs. The first experiment was conducted on 6 participants with corrected visual acuity without any organic eye disease. General visual function test (calculation ability test, hand grip strength test, and ophthalmic examination) and subjective symptom questionnaire were used to evaluate the degree of fatigue before and after DOM use. The second experiment was conducted on 9 participants with spherical equivalents within ±4 diopters (D) and astigmatism of 1 D or less. Accommodative function tests (precise test for asthenopia) and a subjective symptom questionnaire (asthenopia) were used before and after use of DOM. No significant changes were noted in the degree of fatigue and ophthalmological parameters before and after the procedure with either light source or in between light sources. The tear firm breakup time was shortened after therapy, and a tendency toward dry eyes was observed while using the LED light source. The halogen and LED light sources used for DOM therapy had similar effects on asthenopia of the operators, with no significant changes in visual function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The prescription of blue‐blocking (B‐B) filters for the management of visual symptoms and signs associated with the use of electronic devices is routinely performed by eye care specialists. However, the utility of B‐B filters is a matter of debate and discussion by the scientific community due to the lack of evidence supporting their use. Here, we aimed to determine the effects of using B‐B filters on the dynamics of the accommodative response and pupil size and perceived levels of visual discomfort, while performing a 30‐min reading task at a close distance in subjects who routinely use electronic devices. Methods: Nineteen healthy young adults (22.0 ± 2.7 years) read two 30‐min passages on a computer screen placed at 50 cm, either while using a commercially available B‐B filter or without any filter on two different days. The magnitude and variability of both the accommodative response and pupil size were dynamically measured for 60 s using the WAM‐5500 open field autorefractometer at 4–5, 9–10, 14–15, 19–20, 24–25, and 29–30 min into the trial. The perceived levels of visual discomfort were also obtained. Results: The lag and variability of accommodation were insensitive to the blue light level (p = 0.34 and 0.62, respectively). There was a time‐on‐task effect for the variability of accommodation, showing greater instability over time regardless of the blue light level. The use of the B‐B filter was associated with improved reading speed (p = 0.02), with an increase of 16.5 words per minute. However, it was not associated with any significant change in pupil dynamics or the perceived levels of visual discomfort (p> 0.05 in both cases). Conclusions: Our data showed that the use of a B‐B filter had no effect on accommodative dynamics or visual symptomatology. Based on these findings, there is no support for the prescription of B‐B filters to attenuate the visual symptoms and signs associated with the use of electronic devices in healthy young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Compared to standard spectacle lenses, do +0.40 EyeZenTM lenses reduce symptoms of asthenopia induced by computer? Methods: A prospective clinical study was carried out with 39 volunteers who spent more than 4 hours a day using a computer (age, 27.31±4.24; male: female =13:26). Asthenopia and visual comfort were assessed using a questionnaires. All participants completed the asthenopia questionnaire with updated regular lenses (baseline). After 4 weeks of+0.40 Eyezen™ lenses wearing all subjects answered the asthenopia questionnaire and a second questionnaire to establish their level of satisfaction with these lenses. Statistical analysis was performed usind the Shapiro-Wilk test and Wilcoxon test, and p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results:- Compared to standard spectacle lenses (baseline), +0.40 EyeZenTM lenses wearing reduced the total asthenopia score from17.44 ± 5.51 to 13.18 ± 10.22 (p < 0.001). Regarding the perception of the visual comfort levels with these lenses in the management of digital devices, more than 90% of subjects said they were entirely or delighted with their visual comfort.. Conclusions: Digital asthenopia induced by computer was significantly reduced by +0.40 EyeZen lenses wearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthenopic and related symptoms are a major problem in school-going children. With the inception of computers and other gadgets for near work, the unseen problems arising out of constant and continuous near work, are on the rise. Parents wander from pillar to post, seeking respite from their child's constant complaints from near work; but despite best spectacle correction and avoidance of excessive near work, the complaints continue. Studies have shown that the majority of these problems arise from defects in accommodation, even in a young child. Therefore, various aspects of accommodation deficiencies have to be studied clinically, detected, and treated to ameliorate the symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asthenopia or eye strain is one of the major medical problems that students face during their academic years. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of asthenopia among a sample of university students attending various majors and to identify the risk factors for its development. Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted on students attending various faculties at the American University of Beirut during the spring semester of 2019. Students were asked to fill a self-administered anonymous questionnaire that inquired about demographics, use of digital devices, symptoms of asthenopia, possible risk factors and protective measures. A bivariate analysis was performed to correlate asthenopia with the different variables. A multivariate analysis was then conducted to determine the extent of contribution of the different variables to asthenopia after controlling for confounding variables. Results: The prevalence of asthenopia was found to be 67.8% with blurred vision being the most reported symptom (27.0%). A bivariate analysis was used to assess the association between asthenopia and the following variables: demographics, digital device use, reasons for using digital devices, and preventive methods. Age, being a continuous variable, was analyzed using an independent t- test. For the variables that were found to be have a p-value < 0.2, a multiple logistic regression was performed. Old age was found to be a protective factor for asthenopia, with 0.693 times reduction in asthenopia for every increase in year of age. Using the device for communication for less than four hours (p=0.012), using the device for less than four hours per day (p=0.000) and pattern of using the device for less than three years (p=0.023) were significant in being negatively associated with asthenopia. As for preventative measures that protect users from digital eyestrain, we found that using eye drops (p=0.004; OR=0.375) and taking regular breaks (p=0.000; OR= 0.399) were protective factors whereas using adjustable screens was a risk factor (p=0.000; OR=3.083). Conclusion: Asthenopia was found to be of non-negligible prevalence among this sample of university students. The results of this study highlight the importance of establishing awareness campaigns and encourage the introduction of targeted screenings for asthenopia among college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is evidence that attention can modulate ocular dynamics, but its effects on accommodative dynamics have yet to be fully determined. We investigated the effects of manipulating the capacity to focus on task‐relevant stimuli, using two levels of dual‐tasking (arithmetic task) and auditory feedback, on the accommodative dynamics at three different target distances (500, 40 and 20 cm). Methods: The magnitude and variability of the accommodative response were objectively measured in 20 healthy young adults using the Grand Seiko WAM‐5500 autorefractor. In randomised order, participants fixated on a Maltese cross while 1) performing an arithmetic task with two levels of complexity (low and high mental load); 2) being provided with two levels of auditory feedback (low and high feedback); and 3) without performing any mental task or receiving feedback (control). Accommodative and pupil dynamics were monitored for 90 seconds during each of the 15 trials (5 experimental conditions x 3 target distances). Results: The lag of accommodation was sensitive to the attentional state (p = 0.001), where a lower lag of accommodation was observed for the high feedback condition compared to the control (corrected p‐value = 0.009). The imposition of mental load while fixating on a distant target led to a greater accommodative response (corrected p‐value = 0.010), but no effects were found for the near targets. There was a main effect of the experimental manipulation on the accommodative variability (p < 0.001), with the use of auditory feedback improving the accuracy of the accommodative system. Conclusions: Our data show that accommodative dynamics is affected by varying the capacity to focus on task‐relevant stimuli, observing an improvement in accommodative stability and response with auditory feedback. These results highlight an association between attention and ocular dynamics and provide new insight into the control of accommodation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prolonged near work is a potential source of visual problems, which deteriorates work performance and reduces productivity. The present study aims to report the association between visual symptoms and ocular-visual abnormalities in thangka artists. Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, 342 emmetropic thangka artists were enrolled in the study from six randomly selected clusters of thangka painting schools from Kathmandu. Before eye examination, the Nepali version of the questionnaire on the symptoms of visual strain was administered to every subject to assess visual symptoms. Eye examination included visual acuity testing, refraction, cover test, fusional vergence, amplitude of accommodation, lag of accommodation, accommodative facility, convergence, Schirmer test, blink rate, colour vision, and stereopsis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between symptoms and ocular-visual abnormalities. Results: Accommodative insufficiency (p<0.001) and accommodative infacility (p=0.001) were significantly associated with middle-age adults (>30 years). Regarding visual symptoms, blurred vision (56.4%) and burning eyes (56.0%) were reported with the greatest frequency. However, tired eyes and double vision were mostly correlated with ocular-visual abnormalities. Tired eyes was especially correlated with accommodative infacility (p<0.001) and accommodative insufficiency (p=0.001), whereas double vision was correlated with fusional insufficiency at both distance (p=0.001) and near (p=0.048). Conclusion: Thangka artists have a greater prevalence of ocular-visual abnormalities, along with visual symptoms. Accommodative insufficiency, accommodative infacility, and fusional insufficiency are associated with symptoms of tired eyes and double vision in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undetected and untreated ocular conditions or diseases may lead to loss of vision and because of this, ocular health is becoming an increasingly important issue in the healthcare sector and society as a whole. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of minor ocular problems and visual disturbances among dental students. The survey included the distribution of questionnaires to dental students from a private dental hospital during a one-week period. The criterion for selection was first to fifth year undergraduate dental students and absence of medical conditions. The questionnaire included information on age and gender, presence of ocular problems or visual impairment, knowledge of personal visual problems and whether the problems were corrected. Data was analysed using SPSS Software and chi-square test was done to find out association between variables. A total of 183 undergraduate dental students (74.9% females, 25.1% males) participated in the survey. 61.7% had minor ocular problems and this was more common in males and significantly more in the age group 25-29 years (p<0.05). Refractive error was the most common ocular problem with a higher prevalence in females and those in the age group 20-24 years. However, this finding was statistically not significant (p>0.05). Within the limits of this study, it was observed that there was high prevalence of minor ocular problems and visual disturbances among dental students and ocular problems were more common in males and in those in the age group 25-29 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the differences in refraction, accommodative factors, visual parameters, and subjective symptoms after using two types of virtual reality (VR) content with different depths of perception.Methods: Twenty-three volunteers, who played VR games in two modes (immersive and non-immersive) for 30 min, were enrolled. Visual parameters were examined before and after using VR. Accommodative factors were measured using static and dynamic methods. Subjective symptoms were assessed using a questionnaire. Differences according to VR content were compared, and correlations between each visual parameter were analyzed.Results: There were no changes in refraction or accommodative factors after use of the VR. However, there was a significant increase in the near point of accommodation (NPA), the near point of convergence (NPC), and subjective symptom scores after using the immersive mode. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between baseline values of near exophoria and mean accommodative lag of the dominant eye, and also revealed a negative correlation between NPA and mean accommodative lag in the non-dominant eye.Conclusions: The use of VR for 30 min increased NPA and NPC, especially after the immersive mode was used. In addition, higher exophoria and smaller NPA is associated with increased accommodative lag after using VR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]