Mohamed Akmal Ahmed MB.Sc.Internal Medicne and General Surgery. Cairo University, 1978 M ...

184 Pages·2013·2.03 MB·English

PROBABLE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES EMITTED FROM
VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINALS ON OCULAR
FUNCTIONS
Submitted by
Mohamed Akmal Ahmed
MB.Sc.Internal Medicne and General Surgery.
Cairo University, 1978
M.Sc Ophthalmology. Al Azhar University ,1983

A Thesis
Submitted in partial fulfillment
of
The Requirement of the Doctor of Philosophy
In
Environmental Science

Department of Environmental Medical Science
Institute of Environmental Studies and Research
AIN SHAMS UNIVERSITY
2013

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APPROVAL SHEET
PROBABLE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES EMITTED FROM
VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINALS ON OCULAR
FUNCTIONS
By
Mohamed Akmal Ahmed
MB.Sc.Internal Medicne and General Surgery.
Cairo University, 1978
M.Sc Ophthalmology. Al Azhar University, 1983

This thesis towards a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in
Environmental Science has been approved by

Name Signature
1-Prof.Dr.Mohamed Yehia Alawadi
Prof of Community
Faculty of medicine
Ain Shams University
2-Prof.Dr.Mahmoud Serri Albukhary
Prof of Environmental Medical Science
Institute of Environmental Studies and Research
Ain Shams University
3-Prof.Dr.Karem Abdou Abdel Aziz Qalqela
Prof of Ophthalmology
Faculty of medicine
Suez Qanal University
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PROBABLE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES EMITTED FROM
VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINALS ON OCULAR
FUNCTIONS
By
Mohamed Akmal Ahmed
MB.Sc.Internal Medicne and General Surgery.
Cairo University, 1978
M.Sc Ophthalmology. Al Azhar University, 1983

A Thesis Submitted in partial fulfillment
Of
The Requirement of the Doctor of Philosophy Degree
In
Environmental Science
Department of Enviornmenteal Medical Science
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
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Acknowledgement

Words are not enough to express my sincerest gratitude and my
deepest thanks and grateful appreciation to Dr. Mohamed Yehia
Al.Awadi, Professor of Community and Occupational Medicine
Ain Shams University, for his kind help, sincere advice and co-
operation through the preparation of this work. His honest help,
devoted effort, scrupulous guidance and faithful supervision will
always be sincerely remembered.
I wish also to express my heartful thanks to Dr. Mohamed Taher
Hegazy, Professor of Ophthalmology Banha University, for his
valuable opinions, fruitful discussions, continuous support and
consistent supervision.
My deepest appreciation to Dr Hala Awadallah, Professor,
Medical Sciences Department, Institute of Environmental Studies
and Research, Ain Shams University, for supporting me throughout
this study. It has been a great benefit to work under her supervision.

I owe a special word of thanks to Dr Naima Naguib, Associate
Professor, health research department, National center for
radiation research and technology (NCRRT), Atomic energy
authority, for her co-operation, encouragement and for the chance she
willingly gave me to carry this work forward.

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I'm deeply indebted to Professor Moustafa Hasan Ragab, Medical
Sciences Department, Institute of Environmental Studies and
Research, Ain Shams University, for supporting me throughout my
research with his constructive suggestions, valuable advices throughout
this study.

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Dedicated
To
The Spirit of My Parents

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ABSTRACT

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ABSTRACT
There is growing body of evidence that usage of computers can
adversely affect the visual health. Considering the rising number of
computer users in Egypt, computer-related visual symptoms might take
an epidemic form. In view of that, this study was undertaken to find out
the magnitude of the visual problems in computer operators and its
relationship with various personal and workplace factors.
Aim: To evaluate the probable effects of exposure to electromagnetic
waves radiated from visual display terminals on some visual functions.
Subjects and Methods: hundred fifty computer operators working in
different institutes were randomly selected. They were asked to fill a
pre-tested questionnaire (written in Arabic), after obtaining their verbal
consent. The selected exposed subjects were were subjected to the
following clinical assessment: 1-Visual acuity measurements
2-Refraction (using autorefractometer). 3- Measurements of the ocular
dryness defects using the following different diagnostic tests: Schirmer
test-,Fluorescein staining , Rose Bengal staining, Tear Break Up Time
(TBUT) and LIPCOF test (lid parallel conjunctival fold). A control
group included hundred fifty participants, they are working in a field
does not necessitate exposure to video display terminals.
Inclusion criteria of the subjects were as follows: minimum three
symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS), minimum one year
exposure to (VDT, s) and minimum 6hs/day in 5working days/week.
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Exclusion criteria included candidates having ocular pathology like:
glaucoma, optic atrophy, diabetic retinopathy, papilledema
The following complaints were studied: 1-Tired eyes. 2- Burning eyes
with excessive tear production. 3-Dry sore eyes 4-Blurred near vision
(letters on the screen run together). 5-Asthenopia. 6-Neck, shoulder and
back aches, overall bodily fatigue or tiredness.
An interventional protective measure for the selected subjects from the
exposed group was administered, it included the following (1)
Educational program that include instructions about room illumination,
site of the screen and viewing distance and display resolution properties
also taking rest for the eyes.(2) Local artificial tears eye drops and
ointment use, with its lubricating and soothing effect that helps to
overcome the eye fatigue and dryness. Reevaluation after diagnosis and
intervention was performed as follows: after one, two, four and six
months.
The electromagnetic field of the VDT used by exposed subjects was
measured by AC MILLIGAUSS METER MODEL UHS;. The range of
frequency was in milligauss.
Results: Among the exposed subjects studied, 92% complained of tired
eyes 37.33%compained of dry eyes, or sore eyes, 68% complained of
headaches, 68% complained of blurred distant vision, 45.33%
complained of asthenopia and 89.33% complained of neck, shoulder
and back aches. Meantime control group complain was 18% of tired
eyes, 21.33% of dry eyes & 12.67% of neck, shoulder and back aches.
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