Еvaluation of spatial contrast sensitivity in the diagnosis of computer visual syndrome in device users (data from the pilot study)

Abstract

In the modern world, there is an increase in the severity of computer vision syndrome (CVS) when using digital devices. Despite numerous studies of ophthalmic symptoms of CVS, neuro-ophthalmic manifestations remain poorly understood. Evaluation of spatial contrast sensitivity (SCS) indicators can be relevant and informative in identifying functional changes in the visual system when using devices. A pilot study was conducted with the participation of 15 healthy people. The subjects were assessed the SCS in the process of habitual activity in a personal device, which was considered a visual load using the author's program «Visocontrastometry» after 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes of use. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the nonparametric Mann – Whitney test was used to test for significance. According to the data obtained, in all time intervals, there is a decrease in SCS at the experimental stage compared with the control indicators of SCS. A statistically significant difference is observed 15 minutes after the visual load at a spatial frequency of 1.0 cycle/deg in the blue color range (p ≤ 0.05). The method for assessing the SCS has shown its adequacy for studying the neuro-ophthalmological aspects of CVS. Keywords: сomputer vision syndrome, contrast sensitivity, device