Effects of yoga facial massage on computer vision syndrome and ocular motor function: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Computer vision syndrome (CVS), resulting from prolonged screen use, is characterised by visual fatigue and may exacerbate pre-existing refractive errors. This randomised controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of Specialised Thai Yoga Facial Massage (STYFM) on visual fatigue, accommodative function, refractive status, and musculoskeletal parameters in 32 young adults with CVS. Participants were randomly assigned to either the Specialised Thai Yoga Facial Massage Group (FMG, n = 16), receiving 10–15 min of STYFM, or the Control Group (CTG, n = 16), resting with eyes closed for 15 min. Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q), near point of convergence (NPC), amplitude of accommodation (AMP), visual acuity (VA), spherical equivalent refraction (SE), handgrip strength (HS), and cervical range of motion (CROM) were assessed at baseline, week 2, and week 4. By week 4, the FMG showed significantly greater improvement in CVS-Q (-27.6 points), NPC (-3.6 cm), AMP (+1.3 D), and VA (+7.3 points), all p < 0.001. The SE changes were minimal in both groups, with no significant differences observed between them (p = 0.065). Musculoskeletal parameters also improved in the FMG, with significant increases in CROM and HS (p < 0.001). This study provides supportive evidence that STYFM may effectively alleviate visual fatigue symptoms, improve accommodative function, enhance convergence ability, and improve related musculoskeletal health in patients with CVS.