Parasta A. M., Hanne W., Keller R., Mertz M. M., Lanzl I. M.

Department of Ophthalmology, Munich University of Technology, Klinikum rechts der Isar

Objective: This study was performed to evaluate significant changes in vision quality and ocular surface parameters after 8 hours of continuos use of CRT-flatmonitors.
Methods: 20 healthy volunteers spent an 8 hour working day using a CRTflatmonitor in 4 different days for common computer working tasks as word and image processing. Before and after the testday a complete ophthalmic exam was performed which included vision, fusion tests and ocular surface parameters. Special attention was focused on accommodation range, fusion range, refractive changes, contrast acuity (Pelli-Robson-Chart), vitality of conjunctival and corneal epithelium (Fluorescein and Bengal- Rose-staining). After the test all volunteers filled out a questionnaire regarding subjective impressions.
Results: Statistically significant changes did not occur in any of the parameters in this group of 20 volunteers. We found a constant decrease in contrast acuity in 4/20 individuals. An increase of the accommodation range appeared in 6/20 subjects. A myopic shift was found in 7/20 individuals and a hyperopic shift in 4/20. Conjunctival epithelium showed an increase of staining in 5/20 subjects.
Conclusion: This results suggest continuos use of CRT-monitors to be a stress for the eye surface. Worsening of dry eye symptoms can occur after computer work. The decrease of contrast sensitivity can be an effect of retinal adaptation to the bright desktop which is commonly used in word processing programs. Increase of accommodation range seems to be a result of an "exercise effect" on the accommodative system working on monitors in young healthy objects.

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