Amandeep Kaur,Mamta Kumari, Tarandeep Kaur
Abstract: computer vision syndrome is a complex eye and vision problem related to near work which are experienced during or related to computer work. It is mainly characterised by eye strain, headache, burning eyes, blurred vision, back pain etc. It is very common among computer operators working in call centers who work for long hours. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of computer vision syndrome among computer operators working in call centres. Dichotomous questionnaries was used to collect data from the sample of 710 computer operators of Kochar call centers. The study finding revealed that majority (72.1%) of computer operators were having moderate level of computer vision syndrome. One third of subjects (33.8%) were in the age group of 28-37 years. During work breaek 38.6% subjects used to listen music, two third of them were working for 7-10 hours on computer every day and 45.1% of them had been working for more than 20 months at call centre. Very few of them (5.8%) were using antiglare screen on computer. The study concludes high prevalence of moderate level of computer vision syndrome in call centres among computer operators. So, there is need that every call centre need to have guidelines for prevention of computer vision syndrome for the employees.
Keywords
Computer vision syndrome, computer operators
Indroduction:
Computer Vision Syndrome is a group of eye and vision –related problems that result from prolonged computer use as described by American optometric association (2014) . The symptoms of computer vision syndrome are Eyestrain, blurred distant vision, blurred near vision, Fatigue,Dry eyes, Irritated eyes, Headache, Neckache, Backache, Diplopia. These symptoms may be caused by poor lighting, glare on the computer screen, inproper viewing distances, poor seating posture, uncorrected vision problems and combination of these factors.
The computer is used by 20 Million plus population in India and 80% of them (16 million) have discomfort due to computer vision syndrome. The prevalence of eye symptoms among computer users ranges from 25-93% as reported by various investigators. The combination of fixed and constrained body postures, work overload and unsuitalble workstations can lead to eye and health problems. The most common complaints among computer users are aches and pains in the shoulder, forearm, wrist,hand, back and neck and eyestrain.
A study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice towards computer vision syndrome prevalent among indian ophthalmologists and to assess whether computer use by practitioners had any bearing on the knowledge and practices in computer vision syndrome(CVS). The chief presenting symptoms were eyestrain (97.8%),headache (82.1%) , tirednes and burning sensation (79.1%), watering (66.4%) and redness (61.2%). All respondents were aware of CVS. A cross-sectional study was conducted on university staff (academician and support staff) who were using ocmputer at least 2 hours per day at work. They were interviewd by using a guided questionnaire to get information on socio-demographic, eye symptoms and possible contributing factors. Respondents were considered as having CVS if they reported at least one of the vision symptoms as in the questionnaire. Prevalence of computer vision syndrome was high (two in every three). Using computer more than 5 hours per day,not facing computer screen while computing, screen glaring and high monitor level may predispose someone to get CVS.
The computer operators in call centres are among the people who use computers immensely. They use computers for long period that is more than 8-9 hours. There are more chances of developing computer vision syndrome among computer operators in call centres.
The investigator personally experienced some visual problems while working with the computers for limited duration and also the invstigartor came across the people who are working in software companies and suffering from visual problems like eye irritaiton, blurred vision, watering eyes etc. Due to technological advancement and modernization many individuals are adaped to computer including young children without awarenes of computer related health problems and necessary preventive measure. Hence it was felt that here is a need fo assessing prevalence of computer vision syndrome among them and educating them some preventive measures to prevent complications that can occur in futrue.
Objective
To asses the prevalence of computer vision syndrome among computer operators.
Methodolgy
For the present study, quantitative research approach was used. Descriptive design was utilized to achieve the objectives of study. The research setting was kochar call centers of Amritsar, Punjab. There are two Kochar call center which were selected for the study; one in Green avenue and the other one on Lawrence road. At present there are 1000 computer operators working over there in three shifts. Prior to the data collection formal permisson was obtained from HR, Kochar infoTech Call centeres, Amritsar. The study was to c heck prevalence so total enumeration sampling technique was used to select sample. There was total 1000 sample from which the computer operators who were alredy having any eye problems were exclueded. The sample consisted of 710 subjects.
Dichotomous questinnaire was used to assess the prevalence of computer vision syndrome. Tool was prepared after an extensive review of literature and after consulting the subject experts. The tool was prepared in two parts.
Part 1: Socio demographic and work profile: thispart consisted of items for obtaining personal information of computer operators such as age, acitivty during work break, regular hours of working on computer, total months of working on computer and presence of antiglare screen on computer. Part II: dischotomous questionnarie: Dichotomous questionnaire consisting of 18 question was prepared to assess the prevalence of computer vision syndrome among computer operators. Presence of symptoms carries one mark and absence of symptoms carry zero mark. So, maximum score was 18 and minimum score was zero.
The computer vision syndrome was categorized into 3 categoreis.
Mild 0-6 (0.33.3%)
Moderate 6-12 (33.3-66.7%)
High 12-18 (66.7-100%)
Data was collected from 26th december 2013 to 19 January 2014. Survey approach was used to selcted sample from the employees working at selected call centers. Self-introduction and purpose of collecting information was explained to computer operators before collecting the data. Good rapport was established with the subjects and they were assured that their response would be kept confidential and information would be used only for research puropose. Written consent was taken from the computer operator. The average time taken by each respondent was 10 minutes to complete the tool. Data was computed and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results.
Table 1 reveals the frequency and percentage distribution on sample characteristics of study subjects. Age of one third of computer operators (33.8%) was between 28-37 years, followed by 18-27 (31%) and one fourth (25.2%) of employees were in age group of 38-47 years. During break time computer operator preferred to listen music (38.6%) ,playing games on computer (24.9%) ,internet chat (18.5%) and reading (18%) .Daily duration of work of 61% computer operator was 7-10 hours and 30% subjects worked in the call centre of 45% computer operators was more than 20 months and 32.2% had been working for 14-20 months. Majority of computer without antiglare screen and 5.8% computer operator were using computers with antiglare screen.
Table:1 Age and work profile of subjects
| Age and work related variables | N% |
| Age (in years)
18-27 28-37 38-47 48-60 |
220 (31.0) 240(33.8) 179 (25.2) 71 (10.0) |
| Activity during work break
Reading Listening music Playing games on computer Internet chat |
128 (18.0) 274 (38.6) 177(24.9) 131(18.5) |
| Regular daily hours of working on computer
<6 7-10 >11 |
63 (8.9) 434 (61.1) 213 (30.0) |
| Duration of working at call centre (months)
<6 7-13 14-20 |
24(3.4) 137 (19.3) 229 (32.3) |
| Aniglare screen on computer
Yes No |
41 (5.8) 669(94.2) |
Table 2 reveals the severity of computer vision syndrome operators among computer operators. It showed that majority of computer operators (72.1%) were having moderate computer vision syndrome follwoed by 21.7% having high levels and 6.2% were having mild computer vision syndrome.
Table 2: Severity of computer vision syndrome among computer operators
| Severity of computer vision syndrome | N (%) |
| Mild (<6)
Moderate (6-12) High (>12) |
44 (6.2)
512 (72.1) 154 (21.7) |
Maximum Score =18, Minimum Score =0
Table 3 reveals that 68.5% computer operators complain of neck pain and 35.5 experienced double vision while working on computer. Other common complaints of computer operators were eyes fatigue while working on computer for more than 2 hours (66.6%),experiencing excessive, tearing/watering during work (60%), irritation in your while working on computers (58.6%),pain in the eyes after 2 hours of computer work (55.6%),burning sensation in eyes after 2 hour of work on computer (57.9%),experiencing slowing refocusing after 2 hours of work on computer (54.6%).
Table 3 :prevalence of symptoms of computer vision syndrome among computer operators
| Items No. | Symtoms | Yes n (%) |
| 1 | Do you have sensitivity to light during work? | 286(40.3) |
| 2 | Do your eyes get dry after 2 hours of work on computer? | 322(45.4) |
| 3 | Do you feel irritation in your eyes while working on computers? | 416(58.6) |
| 4 | Do you get pain in your eyes after 2 hours of computer work? | 395(55.6) |
| 5 | Do your eyes get red after 2 hours of stipulated work? | 337(47.5) |
| 6 | Do you have blurred distant vision while working on computer? | 295(41.5) |
| 7 | Do you have blurred near vision while working on computer | 277(39.0) |
| 8 | Are you experiencing excessive tearing/watering during work? | 427(60.0) |
| 9 | Do you get eye strain while working on computer | 466(65.5) |
| 10 | Do you experience double vision while working on computer | 252(35.5) |
| 11 | Do your eyes get fatique when you work on computer for more than 2 hours | 473(66.6) |
| 12 | Do you experience slow refocusing after 2 hours of work on computer | 388(54.6) |
| 13 | Do you have burning sensation in eyes after 2 hours of work on computer | 411(57.9) |
| 14 | Do you get neck pain while working on computer | 486(68.5) |
| 15 | Do you get headache after 2 hours of work on computers | 430(60.6) |
| 16 | Do you get back pain while working on computer | 479(67.5) |
| 17 | Do you get shoulder pain while working on computer | 454(63.9) |
| 18 | Do you work continously for more than 2 hours without taking short breaks in between your work? | 465(65.5) |
There was significant association of prevalence of computer vision syndrome with age, activity during work break, regular hours of working on computer and total months of working on computer (p<0.05,as x2 test) . Presence of antiglare screen was not related with the prevalence of computer vision syndrome.
Discussion
Due to technological advancement and modernization ,may individuals are adapted to computers including young children without awareness of computer related health problems and necessary preventive measure. Majority of health survey shows that the most frequent health complaints by computer professionals are related to vision and the computer professionals have lack of knowledge regarding computer vision syndrome and its prevention.
Assessment of the computer operators in call centres for computer vision syndrome is important for preventing the progress of diesease. They use computers for long duration i.e. is for more than 8-9 hours. There are more chances of develping computer vision syndrome among computer operators in call centres. The investigator personally experienced some visual problems while working with the computers for limited duration and the investigator came across the people who are working in software companies and suffering from visual problems like eye irritation, blurred vision, watering eyes etc. therefore, a descriptive study was done to assess the prevalence of computer vision syndrome among computer operators working in selected call centers of Amritsar, Punjab.
The findings of present study shows that majority (72.1%) of computer operators were having moderate prevalence of computer vision syndrome. Jatinder bali conducted similar study to determine the prevalence of CVS symptoms. Knwoledge and practice of computer use in students studying in different universities in Malaysia, and to evaluate the association of various factors in computer use with the occurrence of syptoms. The prevalence of symptoms of CVS ( one or more) was found to be 89.9%.
Thee was significant association between prevalence of computer vision syndrome with age, activities during work break, long hours of working on computer and long duration of job. Presence of antiglare screen was not related to the prevalence of computer vision syndrome. Similary study was done by Hedge JA (2003) on computer vision syndrome at New York and found that computer operators who took short breaks were more productive than those who didn’t take break. He said that workers who received screen alerts to take break were 13% more accurate in the work than those who didn’t . In the present study the common complains of computer oeprators were neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, headache after 2 hours of work on computers, esc excessive tearing /watering during work, irritation , bruning sensation, slow refocusing and pain in eyes while working on computer .Aakre BM & Daughty MJ (2007) conducted a study to find out the prevalence of visual and specific ocular symptoms associated with computer operators at Norway among 40 healthy adults. The result revealed that most subjects (70%) reported experience some visual symptoms sometimes, 62.5% reported headaches sometimes, and 82.5% reported specific ocular symptoms sometimes.
It is concluded that computer operators at call centers had high prevalence of moderate level of computer vision syndrome .it is recommended that every call center should have guideline regarding prevention computer vision syndrome for its employees such as positioning, exercises etc. Further there is need to conduct studies to asees the impact of preventive guidelines on prevalence of computer vision syndrome and its prevention. Community health nurses and other health professional working in community should educate the masses on prevention of computer vision syndrome in their daily practice as computer has become important part of every one’s life.
References
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- computer vision syndrome-A study of knowledge , attitude and practice in Indian ophthalmologists. Indian journal of ophthalmology. 2007; July;55(4);289-293
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- Aakre BM, Daughty MJ. Prevalence of visual and specific ocular symptoms associated with computer operators. Indian journals of medicine. 2007;Jul;30(3):174-82