Role of eye exercises in improving performance of professionals working with computers

Abstract

Computers have become an indispensable part of modern life. Working for long hours in front of the computer is no longer confined to the office. Computers are now extensively used in schools and at home as well. History has demonstrated that with each new technological innovation there have been profound changes in the quality of life of human beings .Computer vision syndrome (CVS) remains an underestimated and poorly understood condition at the workplace. About 70% of computer workers worldwide report having vision problems and there is an alarming increase in the number of people affected. The main purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge of computer users about CVS in Kerala. This study aims to contribute information on CVS in Kerala and the findings would assist employers and other stakeholders to develop strategies that will be used to reduce CVS. Eye exercises like palming, blinking, eye movements are types of relaxing techniques that can be used for relaxing the eye muscles and neck movements for neck muscles to reduce fatigue during long hours of work and improve their performance at the work place. This study was done among professionals working for long hours with computers. This techniques gave significant reduction in eye strain, watering of eyes, head ache, dryness of eyes, neck pain etc. which helped the professionals to improve their workplace productivity.
Key Words: Computer vision syndrome, Eye exercises, palming, Blinking

Full text

Role of eye exercises in improving
performance of professionals working with
computers
Pradeep K Kurunhikattil
Journal of Indian
System of Medicine
145
Joinsysmed ID: JID15060OA
26-02-2017
Submitted Date:
Corresponding Author:
Email:
Co-author (s):
Source of Support:
19-10-2015
drpradeep601@gmail.com
Nil
Nil
Pradeep K Kurunhikattil,
Assistant Professor,
Govt. Ayurveda College Pariyaram,
Kannur, Kerala
Conflict of Interest:
Ethical Clearance:
Registered to:
Acknowledgment:
How to cite the article:
Nil
NA
NA
Nil
Joinsysmed 2016, vol 4(3),
pp -145-148
Pradeep Kurunhikattil.
Role of eye exercises in improving
performance of professionals
working with computers.
Approved Date:
Abstract:
Key Words:
Introduction:
Computers have become an indispensable part of modern life.
Working for long hours in front of the computer is no longer confined to the
office. Computers are now extensively used in schools and at home as well.
History has demonstrated that with each new technological innovation there
have been profound changes in the quality of life of human beings
.Computer vision syndrome (CVS) remains an underestimated and poorly
understood condition at the workplace. About 70% of computer workers
worldwide report having vision problems and there is an alarming increase
in the number of people affected. The main purpose of the study was to
assess the knowledge of computer users about CVS in Kerala. This study
aims to contribute information on CVS in Kerala and the findings would
assist employers and other stakeholders to develop strategies that will be
used to reduce CVS. Eye exercises like palming, blinking, eye movements
are types of relaxing techniques that can be used for relaxing the eye muscles
and neck movements for neck muscles to reduce fatigue during long hours of
work and improve their performance at the work place. This study was done
among professionals working for long hours with computers. This
techniques gave significant reduction in eye strain, watering of eyes, head
ache, dryness of eyes, neck pain etc. which helped the professionals to
improve their workplace productivity.
Computer vision syndrome, Eye exercises, Palming, Blinking
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is caused by the eye and brain
reacting differently to characters on the screen than they do to printed
characters. The computer screen constantly refreshes at a certain rate
whereas paper is steady and the characters on a computer screen lack the
contrast or well defined edges that printed characters have. Therefore, the
colour intensity of digital characters diminishes around the edges making it
difficult for eyes to remain focused. Having to continuously refocusing on
digital text fatigues the eyes and can lead to burning or tired eyes The
condition is marked by symptoms such as eyestrains, burning sensation,
blurred vision, gritty sensation, headache and neck pains [1]. Some
computer users may experience continued reduced visual abilities such as
blurred distant vision even after work. The symptoms may be aggravated by
poor lighting, glare, improper work station set up and uncorrected refractive
errors. Evidence shows that Computer vision syndrome can significantly
harm workplace productivity, as it places an unusual strain on the human
physical well-being thereby reducing the quality of life [2]. Computer vision
Original Article
Joinsysmed 4 (3) July-September 2016Vol. ,

146
syndrome is therefore a significant public health
problem as it affects computer users from all walks of
life.
The symptoms explained initially under CVS
are seen to be explained under (prodromal
symptoms) of eye diseases which includes turbines of
eye, swelling, excessive tears, itching, increase of
watery secretions, feeling of heaviness, burning,
pricking pain, redness etc. Few symptoms which have
more intensity are pain in the eyelids, feeling as
though the eye is full of thorns, diminished vision and
functioning of eyes. These symptoms represent
imbalance and aggravation of ( and
three functional component of body) in the
eyes.[3] i.e. dryness of eye &
other symptoms which has been explained in CVS
can be seen in the symptoms described in Ayurveda in
the context of eye diseases.
is a type of eye disease
mentioned in Ayurveda which can be diagnosed based
on the symptoms such as dryness and hot sensation in
the eyes, pricking sensation, piercing pain, fearful
appearance of the eye lids, difficulty in opening and
closing of eye lids, severe dryness, desire for cold
comforts and ulceration.[4] Along with medicinal
treatment, few eye exercise are needed for early
management of such manifestations. Therefore
present study was undertaken in which specific eye
exercises were advised to patients and the results
were recorded.
1. To determine the effect of eye exercises in
improvement of eye health and improvement of
performance of IT professionals.
2. To determine the effect of eye exercises on
computer vision syndrome like eye strain, tearing of
eyes, dryness of eyes, headache, neck pain etc.
In this study sample size was 50
computer users work for more than one year with
computers. A questionnaire on eye fatigue during
long hours of work and duration of working hours and
performance was used to access effect of therapy.
1) Computer users who are working with computer
for more than six hours per day and at least for more
than one year.
Understanding CVS in Ayurveda:
Aims and objectives:
Materials and methods:
Sample size:
Inclusion criteria for sampling:
Purvarupa
Dosas Vata, Pitta
Kapha-
Shushkaakshi Paaka
Sushkakshipaka
2) Computer users suffering from eyestrain, watering
of eyes, headache, dryness of eye, blurred vision.
4) Computer users who can read and write English
1. Computers users with detected eye disorders such
as refractory errors, cataract, glaucoma, trachoma etc.
2. Persons who have already undergone any
interventional program on eye exercises
3. Patients with painful neck movements.
Eye strain, headache, dryness of
eye, tearing of eyes neck pain was assessed
Pain or discomfort was considered as eye
strain. It was measured using VAS scale. This was
assessed before and after intervention. Grading- 0-
Nil, 1-minimal, 2-moderate, 3- severe.
It was assessed using VAS scale .And the
severity was noted before and after intervention.
Grading- 0- Nil, 1-minimal, 2-moderate, 3- severe.
It is the symptom developed due to
lack of tear in the eye. The patient develops minimal
gritty feeling and pricking pain in severe cases.
According to the severity it was graded. Grading 0-
Nil, 1-minimal, 2-moderate, 3- severe.
This was assessed by asking the
professionals regarding the severity. Grading, 0- Nil,
1-minimal, 2-moderate, 3- severe.
This was assessed using VAS scale .And
the severity was noted before and after intervention.
Grading 0- Nil, 1-minimal, 2-moderate, 3- severe.
In order to counteract the various
effect of computer on the eye muscles a set of eye
exercises formulated by W. H. BATES, M.D were
used [5]. Abreak every hourly for 5 minutes is advised
during which the patient is asked to do these exercises
to negate the effect of computer.
This work is an observational study
which includes Pre test- Degree of eye strain and
performance, Intervention (eye exercises) and Post
test- Degree of eye strain and performance.
Eye relaxing techniques such as Palming,
blinking, eye movements and neck movements were
advised in the studied subjects.
The patient is asked to close the eyes gently
and bent the chin towards chest. Using palm the eye is
covered gently, at the mean time the elbow should be
kept over the table.[6] (Fig. 1)
Exclusion criteria for sampling:
Criteria variables:
Eye strain:
Headache:
Dryness of Eye:
Tearing of Eyes:
Neck pain:
Eye Exercises:
Research design:
Details of intervention:
Palming:
Pradeep Kurunhikattil. Role of eye exercises in improving performance of professionals working with computers.
Joinsysmed 2016, vol 4(3), pp -145-148
Joinsysmed 4 (3) July-September 2016Vol. ,

147
Blinking
Eye movements:
Neck movements
Observations and results:
: Frequently (patient is purposefully
suggested to increase the rate of blinking without
affecting the work). Closing the eyes gently. As the
IT professionals are prone to open the eyes for a
longer period, so they were asked to increase the
blinking rate.
Move eyes towards right, left, up
and down .This is a good technique to relax the eye
muscles.
: Every 3 hours - Moving Neck
right , left, up and down, rotating clockwise and
anticlockwise. The continous sitting posture surely
gives some strain to the neck muscles and scalp
muscles. Movements of neck will help to relax the
neck muscles.
Detail of counts of exercises is depicted in table 1.
Of the 50 computer professionals selected
80% of them were with eye strain, 36% got eye
fatigue after 4 hours of work, 32% after 2-4 hours and
the remaining 12% after 1-2 hours. Since working
with computers gives strain to work even short
duration causes eye strain or eye fatigue. Since most
of the professionals were fresher's 60% of them were
with minimal strain and 12% with moderate strain
and 8% with severe strain. (Table 2)
Since most of the computer professionals
were new to this field only 24% were having tearing
of eyes and remaining 76% were without, of this
16% got tearing after 4 hours of work, and 8% after
1-2 hours, and in that 16% of them were having only
minimum tearing and 8% with moderate tearing.
(Table 3)
Dryness was present in 48% of the cases and
the remaining 52 % was without, 28% of them got
dryness after 2-4 hours of work and 12% of them got
after 4 hours of work, remaining 8 % got dryness
with 1-2 hours of work. (Table 4)
Of the 50 computer professionals selected
48% of them suffered head ache and the remaining
not, 28% of the selected professionals got headache
after 4 hours of work 12% of them after 2-4 hours and
12% after 1-2 hours. In that 8% were having severe
head ache during their work 12% with moderate
head ache and 32 % with affordable or minimum
head ache. (Table 5)
Since computer professionals work for long
hours sitting in front of the computers, their posture
may affect their neck and neck muscles so exercise for
relaxing the neck muscles may help them from getting
rid of this. Of the 50 professionals selected 44 % were
with neck pain and the remaining were not. Of this
28% got neck pain after 2-4 hours, 20% after 4 hours
and 8% after 1-2 hours.( Table 6)
There was significant change in eye strain in
duration and severity after the intervention.
Significant change was observed in tearing of eyes in
severity after the intervention, dryness of the eyes was
reduced significantly after the intervention, head ache
and neck pain was significantly reduced in severity
and duration after the intervention. Regarding the
intervention i.e., the eye exercises 64% have the
opinion that it is good and also it will help to improve
their performance. Remaining 36% opine that it is
only an average intervention, but surely they don't
have any negative opinion regarding the intervention.
Eye exercises improve the performance of
muscular and motor activities of the eyes. From the
statistical analysis it was found that this eye exercises
and neck exercise is very effective in reducing eye
strain and neck pain etc. These exercises helps in
relaxing the ocular muscles, some exercises like
palming will give relaxation to all sensory nerves
related with vision. These relaxing techniques can
improve vision or helps in improving the
accommodation. Professionals working long hours
with computers can practice this eye exercises and
neck exercises to keep away from asthenopia, which
may help to improve their performance. Now a days
people are using mobile phones which has got similar
effect like computers. Eye exercises facilitate the
pathways. It helps to move our eye muscles to create
up and down, side to side or circular motion. It also
helps the eye muscles in controlling back and forth
movement of eye's natural lens, to help achieve sight
at multiple distances. It is found in recent research that
eye exercises can alter the eye's basic anatomy
significantly and can eliminate presbyopia which no
one escapes after a certain age. Eye exercises are
proven to improve sight or memory function
significantly. Hence everyone can practice these eye
exercises while using mobile phones and computers
for long hours. Since this study was conducted among
a small sample of 50, this can be done in a larger
sample to get a better application of these relaxing
techniques.
Discussion:
Pradeep Kurunhikattil. Role of eye exercises in improving performance of professionals working with computers.
Joinsysmed 2016, vol 4(3), pp -145-148
Joinsysmed 4 (3) July-September 2016Vol. ,

148
References:
[1] Blehm C, Vishnu S, Khattak A. Computer vision
syndrome: a review. J Survey Ophthalmo 2005;
50(3):253–262
[2] www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/productivity.htm last
accessed on 15/08/2016 at 8.00 pm
[3] Vagbhata, Ashtangahridaya, Vaidya H (editor),
Chowkhamba Krishnadas academy, Varanasy 2006,
Utharasthana 8/804, p.456
[4] Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita Acharya YT (editor),
Chowkhambha Orientalia Varanasi, reprint ed., 2014,
Utharathantra 1/26, p.597
[5] https://www.iblindness.org last accessed on
20/08/2016 at 8.15 pm
[6] W. H. BATES, M.D The Cure of Imperfect Sight
by Treatment Without Glasses by central
fixation publishing company, NewYork 1920
Fig. 1: Palming- 5 minutes After One hour
work
Fig. 2: Neck movements
Pradeep Kurunhikattil. Role of eye exercises in improving performance of professionals working with computers.
Joinsysmed 2016, vol 4(3), pp -145-148
Table 1: Counts of exercises
Palming
Twice daily
20 counts
Blinking
Twice daily
20 counts
Eye movem ents
Twice daily
18 times
Neck movements
Twice daily
12 times
Table 2: The effect of Eye exercises on Eye strain before and after stud y
Eye stra in
Mea n
Std. Deviation
Pvalue
before
0.84
0.509502
<0.001
after
0.32
0.471212
Table 3: The effect of Eye exercises on Tearing of eyes before and after study
Tea ring
Mea n
Std. Deviation
Pvalue
Before
0.24
0.431419
<0.001
After
0
0
Table 4: The effect of Eye exercises on Dryness of eyes before and after study
Dryness
Mea n
Std. Deviation
Pvalue
before
0.68
0.843704
0.001
after
0.4
0.494872
Table 5: The effect of Eye exercises on Headache before and after study
Hea d ache
Mea n
Std. Deviation
Pvalue
before
0.88
1.081194
<0.001
after
0.04
0.197949
Table 6: The effect of Eye exercises on Neck pain before and after study
Neck pain
Mean
Std. Deviatio n
Pvalue
before
0.84
0.933722
<0.001
after
0.24
0.431419
Joinsysmed 4 (3) July-September 2016Vol. ,