J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2012 May;53(5):689-693.

Research on Ocular Fatigability Induced by Multimedia and Instrument Features

• Jang YS
• Kim US
• Baek SH
• Kim YR
• Gong SM

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the different features of such instruments and how they cause ocular fatigability.
METHODS
Under the same settings and circumstances, 75 participants were asked to read the novel, "You without me?" in different formats including paper book, E-book (biscuit(R), Interpark Inc., LG INNOTECK LTD, Korea) and LCD reader (iPad(R), Apple Inc., United States). For every 10 minutes of reading, 10 minutes of rest was provided. After finishing the novel, the participants were asked to complete a questionnaire, and the data obtained were statistically analyzed using univariate analysis.
RESULTS
Compared to paper book readers (1.93), LCD readers (2.40) complained of insufficient lubrication in the eye (p = 0.038), and experience more letter-floating illusions (1.92) than did paper book readers (1.49) (p = 0.043). Moreover, compared to the other formats including the E-book (20%) and paper book (8%), LCD readers (72%) experienced more significant glare symptoms (n = 23) and could read at a faster rate than the other groups of readers (n = 26).
CONCLUSIONS
In the present study, the I-Pad caused ocular fatigability more easily than the other formats examined. No statistical significance of ocular discomfort or fatigability was observed among the different format groups. Further investigation with a greater number of age-controlled participants should be conducted prior to designing a study to determine the best format for reading.

Keyword

Dry eye syndrome; E-book; I-Pad; Ocular fatigability

MeSH Terms

Dry Eye Syndromes
Eye
Glare
Illusions
Lubrication
Multimedia
Surveys and Questionnaires

Figure

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  Figure 1 The devices. A, paper book. B, LCD reader (iPad®, Apple Inc., United States). C, E-book (biscuit®, Interpark Inc., LG INNOTECK LTD, Korea).

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