Correlates of Ocular and Somatic Symptoms among Video Display Terminal Users

Abstract

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among employees of a large newspaper company (1) to define the type of ocular and somatic complaints reported by video display terminal (VDT) users and to identify their relationship to VDT use, (2) to determine the association between symptoms and the participants' adequacy of correction of refractive errors for their jobs, and (3) to assess the prevalence of eye abnormalities, especially cataracts, and their relationship to VDT use. Poor visual clarity of the VDT screen explained the plurality of work-associated symptoms. These associations were independent of the effects of potential confounding variables. The relationships with headaches associated with work and changes in visual function were replicated in a small, independent sample. One qualitative and two quantitative VDT-use variables that suggested lesser skill or experience were associated with headaches. No meaningful relationship was found between adequacy of the participants' refractions, including the wearing of glasses with bi-or multifocal lenses, and the reporting of work-associated symptoms. No significant association was found between VDT use and the prevalence of eye abnormalities, including cataracts.