# Factors associated with visual function among computer-based administrative workers: a Brazilian cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study explores how age and work effort affect visual function in Brazilian office workers who use computers.

## Contribution

The study identifies age and work-related effort as significant factors influencing visual function in computer-based administrative workers.

## Key findings

- The mean visual function score was 78.0, indicating generally good visual health.
- Visual function declined with increasing age and higher work effort.
- Younger workers and those with lower work effort had better visual function.

## Abstract

Several studies have shown that eye and vision problems are among the most significant
issues reported by individuals who use computers at work.

To investigate individual and occupational environmental factors associated with visual
function among workers who perform computer-based administrative tasks.

This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2014-2015 with 303 workers of a public
hospital in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The participants answered a structured
questionnaire, including the 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function
Questionnaire. Statistical analyses used descriptive analysis, tests of association and
multiple linear regression analysis.

Most participants were female (61.1%); the mean age was 46.0 (standard deviation [SD])
± 12.5, and approximately 91.7% of them reported wearing corrective lenses.
Regarding visual function, the mean score at the 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual
Function Questionnaire was 78.0, SD ±7.1. A regression analysis showed that
visual function declined with age (ß −0.218; 95%CI −0.276--0.16l) and effort at
work (ß −0.656; 95%CI −0.928--0.383).

The mean quality of visual health in the studied group was good. The younger the age
and the lower the effort at work, the better the visual function. Our results point to
the relevance of establishing periodical and preventive health actions, including eye
health assessments.