Prolonged Computer Use by Office Workers Induces Ocular Symptoms Associated with Tear Film Alterations and Overexpression of Mucin 5 AC and Catalase

Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate office workers for symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS) and alterations in the tear film relate to the hours of daily computer use. Methods Sixty-seven volunteers were divided into 2 groups: 2 to 6 and 7 to 12 hours of daily computer use. Computer vision syndrome symptoms, tear film stability by tear film break-up time test, and composition of mucin 5 AC, catalase, and IL-6 was assessed by relative gene expression of conjunctival impression cytology samples were examined. Results All participants exhibited moderate symptoms of CVS, whereas 90% showed reduced tear film stability. For the 7- to 12-hour (vs 2- to 6-hour) group, these effects were more pronounced and overexpression of mucin 5 AC and catalase was detected. Conclusions Prolonged computer use induced an overexpression of mucin 5 AC and catalase and instability of the tear film, associated with ocular symptoms.