Young non-VDU users are more susceptible to ocular functions changes with sustained VDU nearwork

PurposeThis study investigates the change in ocular function among young schoolchildren following nearwork with and without visual display units (VDU).MethodsThirty-one young schoolchildren played computer game (VDU work) and paper game (non-VDU work) continuously for 2h at 40cm. Non-invasive tear break up time (NIBUT), blinking rate (BR) and palpebral aperture size (AS) were measured before and after VDU work and non-VDU work. Reading for NIBUT, BR and AS were normalized by converting into log10 unit.ResultsMANCOVA analysis shows that logNIBUT is significantly reduced after both nearwork (F1,49=58.10, p<0.01) but not for logBR and logAS (p>0.01). Pairwise comparison shows that modes of nearwork produce significant different effect in post-task logBR (F1,53=7.13, p=0.01) and logAS (F1,53=11.00, p<0.01). VDU work produces lower BR and larger AS while Non-VDU work does not change the BR but is associated to a smaller AS.ConclusionsSustained 2-h VDU work and non-VDU work produces significant reduction in NIBUT measurements. Modes of nearwork differently change the post-task BR and AS. Young schoolchildren are more susceptible to VDU nearwork effect