Investigating the Visual Fatigue in VDT Operators in the Banks of Qasr-e Shirin (Kermanshah-Iran)

Background & Aims of the Study: Due to the increasing use of computers in the administrative and social structure of Iran, it seems that, in the near future, eye and body symptoms caused by computer work will become one of the most important health issues in our society, and threaten the health of the workforce and consequently, lead to significant financial and industrial losses. The aim of this study was to determine the level of visual fatigue in VDT operators in the banks of Qasr-e shirin city. Method: This study was carried out using a descriptive-analytical method in the form of census on 58 VDT operators of Qasar-e shirin banks in Kermanshah province. A two-part questionnaire including demographic information and visual fatigue was used to measure visual fatigue. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 and descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, central indices and dispersion) as well as independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA and Pearson correlation tests. Results: The results showed that the mean and standard deviation of visual fatigue was 48.76 ±28.18. 8.6% of subjects didn't have visual fatigue, 24.1% had low, 24.1% had moderate and 43.1% had severe visual fatigue. Also, the highest mean visual fatigue in patients with glasses was 3.49 ± 1.93 and the lowest mean, 3.35 ± 2.43, was related to single individuals. There was a positive and significant relationship between working hours with visual strain and visual fatigue subscale, and between the number working hours with visual strain and visual fatigue subscale. Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of visual fatigue was in high level. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid visual fatigue by using corrective and preventive measures such as reducing the working time with VDTs and using standard computers.