Ocular Problems among Video Display Terminal Users in a Software Company of Sector V, Kolkata

Background: Video Display Unit use and Information Technology creates a host of problems like Ocular Problems and Work Related Musculo Skeletal Problems. Many experience visual symptoms including eyestrain, headaches, ocular discomfort, dry eye, diplopia and blurred vision either at near or when looking into the distance after prolonged computer use. Very few and sporadic studies have been done in this part of the world especially in India, to address the issue in all its scope. Aim & Objective: To find out the proportion of different ocular problems among the study population and to find out the association of their ocular problems with the socio-demographic, work related and ergonomic factors. Materials and methods: It was an institution based, cross sectional, analytical epidemiological study and was conducted over one-year period. The study population comprised of persons working with Video Display Terminals. A predesigned, semi-structured instrument for elaborating the socio-economic, lifestyle related and a few job-related health behaviors were used. Combination of few instruments to elicit different morbidities like and many ergonomic checklists to evaluate office workspace were also used. Results: Of the total 79.1 % had any kind of ocular problems currently, with around 65% of them reporting to be having problem constantly in the last 12 months. Headache (63.6%) seemed to be the most important problem, followed by Eye fatigue (52.4%). Repetition of work and poor ergonomic practices turned out to be the statistically significant factors. Increased Years of working and female sex were also found to be important factors. Screen Character was found to be the most important risk factor of eye problems. Conclusion: A simple model was proposed where interaction of Individual factors and factors related to workstation was identified as the main culprit, which exaggerated by the repetition of work.

CONCEPT OF SHUSHKAKSHIPAKA (DRY EYE SYNDROME) IN AYURVEDA WITH MODERN COUNTERPART: A REVIEW

Eyes are the windows to the soul. Ayurvedic classical texts have mentioned about eye and its diseases since Vedic and Samhita kala, thus showing the importance of eye and ways to protect it. That is why eye care has been one of the priorities since the ages. In Ayurveda clinical features related to Dry eye are generally seen in Suskaksipaka. Over use of Video Display Terminals (V.D.T) like Computer, Mobiles, and Television & faulty lifestyle are some of the causes. Among these disorders, many are related to Indriya (Sensory Organ) especially Caksurindriya (Eye). In metro city, more than 50% cases from ophthalmic OPD are of Dry Eye Syndrome. Dry Eye Syndrome is a common ophthalmic condition, in its real sense is a problem for eye care practitioners due to its variegated etiologies, multi factorial physiopathology, lack of gold standard for diagnostic procedure. No curative treatment modalities are available and the palliative measures are inadequate too. It presents a great challenge to physicians. That’s why its prevalence is very high. It is 5% to 35% worldwide, while in India it is 29.25%. Dry Eye Syndrome also known as Kerato-Conjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) is considered a disease of the modern era. Dry eye syndrome, one of the most frequently encountered ocular morbidities, a growing public health problem and one of the most common conditions seen by the eye care practitioners. Tear secretion provides continuous moisture and lubrication on the ocular surface and provides oxygen to the corneal- epithelium. When the normal tear production is compromised, it leads to dry eyes.

The Effectiveness of TMDS Coding in Counteracting the Non-Invasive Acquisition of Graphic Data

Modern video display terminals commonly use digital video signals. Transition minimized differential signaling (TMDS) coding implemented in video signal transmission using DVI (Digital Visual Interface) standard is commonly used. The aim of the coding scheme adopted by this solution is to eliminate the constant component of the electrical signal, increase the resistance to electromagnetic (EM) interference, and reduce electronic interference between cables. Professionals and hobbyists interested in the problems relating to protecting information against electromagnetic infiltration believe that TMDS coding, in contrast to the VGA (Video Graphics Array) analogue standard, significantly improves the electromagnetic security of processed graphic information. This paper shows a comparison of the abovementioned standards in terms of information protection against electromagnetic infiltration. The paper presents the results of computer simulations and studies dealing with practical compromising emanations for DVI standard and its susceptibility to electromagnetic radiation spying. The obtained results show that the commonly expressed ideas of digital standards being fully secure are false. The obtained test results show that the level of electromagnetic protection can be increased by using appropriate pairs of colors for the text and background. This solution has to be connected with a mode that smooths the edges of graphic signs. Then, the number of frequencies in which valuable emissions exist can be limited. In this paper, pairs of colors for which the level of protection of information can be increased are shown. The authors present their analyses on the basis of the method of colors. The method is connected to possibilities of selection of smoothing modes of edges. As Windows is the most commonly used system in classified work stations (so-called TEMPEST computers), this operating system was considered from the viewpoint of the protection of processed information.

FUNCTIONAL STATE OF SEAMEN OPERATORS IN SEA VOYAGE

In the article there is considered the problem of the impact of factors of the long voyage on the body of sailors-operators of logical and sensory profile of the activity. The aim of the study is to estimate indices both of body functions and performance of marine specialists operators of video display terminals during the long voyage. The experimental group included 27 crew members from the command, the Navigator group, group of locations and communications, professionals exploiting videodisplay terminals. Functions of operators bodies during the period 65-day voyage were studied with the use of the techniques of the assessment of indices of the subjective status, cardiorespiratory, central nervous system and physical performance. There were established adverse changes in the functional state of the organism, pronounced by the decline in levels of conditioned-reflex activity, the exertion of the cardiorespiratory system at rest and in the deterioration of physical performance from the second month of sailing and persisting until the end of the voyage, despite the optimal level of factors of the habitability at the ship. The leading adverse factors included the decrease of the motor activity by 2.5 - 3 times if compared to pre-trip levels and the intense operator activity. This necessitated the development of manners and means of the preservation of the occupational health of seafarers-operators in long voyages, as well as the improvement of the hygienic regulations of the conditions of their professional activity in the courts.

Computer Usage and Myopia Progression: An Evidence Based Case Report

As the technology advancement, we tend to work more using computer or another video display terminals (VDT). VDT usage often causes eyes problems (computer vision syndrome) or even refractive errors. This study aims to evaluate computer or VDT exposure as prognostic factor in myopia regression among young adults. Literature review method using medical journal is conducted through three databases (PubMed, Cochrane, and Ebsco). Keywords used are myopia, myopia progression, computer, and job (including their synonyms). Thirty-two articles were collected. Through title and abstract screening, filtering doubles, and exclusion, only three articles that can be critically appraised. Based on these articles, myopia progression proportion among the population is around 10,5% with myopia progression risk around −0,16 D annually. Myopia progression predictor factor is near work (along with computer and VDT usage). Myopia progression is related with near work notably computer usage. Thus, near work exposure should be decreased to prevent myopia progression.

Students’ blood pressure and heart rate in learning environments with thermal changes

The increase in global temperature in recent years (which is likely to continue) has the power to affect the temperatures of indoor workplaces. This increase may in turn, be reflected in human performance. The present article analyzes the relationship between air temperature, blood pressure and heart rate variation in students in a learning environment through Video Display Terminals (VDT), located in northeastern Brazil. The thermal conditions were analyzed during three consecutive days, according to ISO 7726: 1998; in the group of students who underwent changes in indoor air temperature, their blood pressure and heart rate were also measured. When the air temperature was of 20ºC, 24% of the subjects’ heart rate exceeded 100bpm, while for 30 °C this number reached 51%. The results revealed changes in diastolic blood pressure and heart rate when air temperature increases.