To evaluate the effects and safety of the steam eye mask with acupoints stimulation by the moist heat of approximately 40 degree C for 20 minutes and massage acupoints on eyebrows for eye fatigue, dry eye symptoms and symptom-induced decline of Quality of life (QoL) in VDT users.
A prospective study is conducted to evaluate the effect of the steam eye mask with acupoints stimulation on eye fatigue and dry eye symptoms in VDT users. The effects and safety of the single therapy by the moist heat of approximately 40 degree C for 20 minutes with eyebrows acupoints massage for the first 3 minutes are evaluated in the single application study, and the effects and safety of the repeated therapy by the moist heat applied and massage acupoints on eyebrows once per working day for two weeks are evaluated in the repeated application study.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
60
A participant needs to use SEM with acupoints stimulation once a day for 10 days and use hands to massage the acupoints on the eyebrows for the first 3 minutes, total application time at least for 20 minutes.
A participant needs to use SEM once a day for 10 days, total application time at least for 20 minutes.
Kao (Taiwan) Corporation
Hsinchu, Taiwan
Assessment of symptoms and mood state (Visual Analog Scale, VAS) evaluated by participants.
The severity of symptoms and mood state are evaluated using a VAS by each participant. A VAS is a horizontal line, 100mm in length, anchored by word descriptors at each end. Participants mark on the line the point that they feel their perception of their current state. The VAS score is determined by measuring the length from the left hand end of the line to the point that they mark. The five symptoms to be evaluated are: tiredness of eyes, dryness of eyes, grittiness of eyes, blurred vision, and ocular discomfort. Each symptom is relieved as the VAS score decreases. The mood states to be evaluated are: relaxation and comfort. Each mood state is enhanced as the VAS score increases.
Time frame: 14 days
The computer visual syndrome questionnaire (CVS-Q) evaluated by participants.
The computer vision syndrome questionnaire (CVS-Q) is applied to evaluate the visual health of workers exposed to the computer screen. This questionnaire consists of sixteen items with the response options of the severity (frequency and intensity) of each particular symptom and the overall symptom severity (CVS score). The score of each ocular discomfort is calculated by the frequency multiplies the intensity. The frequency for each symptom is answered by the subject as never, occasionally, and often/always which are coded as 0, 1, and 2, respectively. The intensity is defined for two options as 1 for moderate and 2 for intense, respectively. Moreover, the score obtained for each item will then be coded as 1 while the multiplied score is 1 or 2; and 2 while the multiplied score is 4. The results can be compared between different individuals or in the same individual at different times and circumstances. The higher score a subject gained, the worsen ocular condition he/she experienced.
Time frame: 19 days
Dry eye questionnaire evaluated by participants.
The dry eye questionnaire will be used for evaluate the dry eye symptom of each participant. This questionnaire consists of 12 typical dry-eye-related symptoms, include 1. Ocular fatigue, 2. Discharge, 3. Foreign body sensation, 4. Heavy sensation, 5. Dry sensation, 6. Uncomfortable sensation, 7. Excess tearing, 8. Blurred vision, 9. Itching, 10. Sensitivity to bright light, 11. Redness, 12. Pain. Each symptom will be evaluated from never, sometimes, often, and Constantly.
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Time frame: 19 days
The quality of life (Dry-Eye-Related Quality of Life Score, DEQS) evaluated by participants.
The Dry-Eye-Related Quality of Life Score can assess various aspects of Quality of Life including its mental aspect. This questionnaire consists of 15 items related to dry eye symptoms(0 to 4, 0 as never, the less score as mild) and influence(1-4, the less score as rare) on daily life, and the overall degree of Quality of Life Score impairment is calculated as a summary score. The subject also grades the overall for the past week, including subject's eye symptoms and how they have affected subject's daily life, it will be graded from 1 to 6, the lower score means the subject is in better condition. DEQS score is decreased as Quality of Life Score is improved.
Time frame: 14 days
Measurement of Tear Meniscus Height (TMH) using Oculus Keratograph 5M by an examiner.
Tear Meniscus Height is observed with Oculus Keratograph 5M.
Time frame: 14 days
Tear film breakup time (TBUT) evaluated by an examiner.
Tear film breakup time is the parameter of tear film stability, defined as the time to initial breakup of the tear film after a blink.
Time frame: 14 days
Schirmer test evaluated by an examiner.
Schirmer test is an estimation of tear flow reflex by insertion of a filter paper into the conjunctival sac. This test is performed with the participants' eyes closed in 5 minutes.
Time frame: 19 days
Meibomian gland expression evaluated by an examiner.
Meibomian gland expression can be performed as an indicator of meibomian gland function, meibum expressibility and quality. The secretion expressed from the glands is observed with a physical force applied to the outer surface of the eyelid to determine whether a specific meibomian gland is functional and capable of providing secretion.
Time frame: 19 days
Visual acuity (VA) evaluated by an examiner.
The normal visual acuity is measured for both eyes separately using a Snellen chart.
Time frame: 14 days
Intraocular pressure (IOP) evaluated by an examiner.
The intraocular pressure is measured for both eyes separately using the tonometer.
Time frame: 14 days
Ocular surface/eyelids findings diagnosed by an examiner.
An ophthalmologist observes the cornea, conjunctiva, and eyelids for each participant and confirms whether there are any inflammation and hyperemia on the ocular surface or any other abnormalities on the ocular surface and eyelids before and after the application of IP. The slit lamp is applied to evaluate the following 6 items for both eyes including 1. Lid Margin Irregularity, 2. Lid Margin Vascularity, 3. Meibomian Orifice Plugging, 4. Mucocutaneous J Retroplacement, 5. Surface Finding Cornea, and 6. Surface Finding Conjunctiva. And the clinical judgments of normal or abnormal among these items will then assess by the investigators.
Time frame: 19 days
Diary reported by a participant.
Participants are asked to record the time, date, place and adverse events, if there is, in a daily questionnaire after every use of IP. If there is any report of adverse events, an ophthalmologist determines the severity and the relationship of the adverse events to using IP.
Time frame: 14 days
Adverse events
All adverse events will be record, and the incidence rates will be calculated.
Time frame: 19 days
Staining of ocular surface evaluated by an examiner
Ocular surface damage is assessed by staining cornea and conjunctiva. The liquid of fluorescein is instilled by the micropipette to stain the ocular surface. The staining of ocular surface is graded on a scale of 0 to 3 on the cornea and both areas of the conjunctiva, and then summed (Total range in 0-9 points) for each eye, according to the van Bijsterveld system.
Time frame: 14 days