[Epidemiological investigation of asthenopia and dry eye among visual display terminal workers].

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of asthenopia and dry eye, and to further explore the potential occupational hazard factors, so as to provide a theoretical basis for their prevention and control.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on the selected respondents. For visual display terminal (VDT) workers in employing organizations such as banks, colleges, and government departments, an online questionnaire independently developed by the research group was used for population surveys. Information including general information, work-related situations, work environment, visual health, and ergonomic factors was collected. The respondents were analyzed according to whether they suffered from asthenopia and dry eye. Relevant factors of asthenopia and dry eye were screened through t-test and Chi-square test. Subsequently, binary Logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the risk factors of asthenopia and dry eye among the VDT workers.

Results: The overall prevalence of asthenopia was 52.5% (235/448) and dry eye was 36.8% (165/448). There were no significant diffe-rences in the prevalence of asthenopia and dry eye among different genders, age groups, and groups of length of service in VDT work. However, the highest prevalence of dry eye was observed in underweight individuals (42.9%), followed by normal weight (40.6%), overweight (28.0%), and obese indivi-duals (17.4%). There was a significant difference in the prevalence of dry eye among different body mass index (BMI) groups (χ²=9.505, P=0.023). The lowest prevalence of asthenopia was observed among securities industry employees (22.6%), while higher rates were found in employees in companies (59.5%) and other employing organizations (68.8%). A significant difference in the prevalence of asthenopia among different employing organizations (χ²=14.832, P=0.022). The result of Logistic regression showed that a longer length of service in VDT work (OR=1.006, P < 0.001), a longer duration of VDT after working hours (OR=1.002, P=0.032), a too-bright monitor (OR=2.875, P=0.022), glare during work (OR=1.500, P=0.038), a louder noise in work environment (OR=1.586, P=0.012), work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) (OR=4.366, P < 0.001) and other factors were independent risk factors of asthenopia, while wearing frame glasses (OR=0.452, P=0.037) was an independent protective factor. Glare during work (OR=2.198, P < 0.001), WMSDs (OR=2.226, P=0.001) and other factors were independent risk factors of dry eye, while overweight (OR=0.448, P=0.006), obesity (OR=0.228, P=0.032) were independent protective factors of dry eye.

Conclusion: The prevalence of asthenopia and dry eye among VDT workers is relatively high, and it is associated with multiple risk factors. During prevention and control, attention should be paid to taking reasonable breaks during work, controlling glare, and strengthening visual health training and promotion.