Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
Computer-induced asthenopia (eyestrain) is defined as fatigue of the ciliary and extraocular muscles
from prolonged near vision work on a visual display unit (Tiwari et al., 2011). Common symptoms
associated with asthenopia include: ocular discomfort; dry, red, itchy or irritated eyes; eye fatigue;
intermittent diplopia at near fixation; blurred vision; and frontal headache (Sheedy et al., 2003). About
70% of computer user’s worldwide experience eye discomfort and there are an increasing number of
people affected by it (Barthakar, 2013). Current conventional treatment for asthenopia involves
ergonomic measures, eye drops to help with eye moisture, occupational glasses, correction of
refractive errors and punctal occlusion (Garin, 2014). The homoeopathic complex eye drop solution
is a commercially available eye drop solution indicated for the relief of computer-induced asthenopia
symptoms and contains Conium maculatum 6X, Natrum chloratum 6X, Ruta graveolens 6Xand
Senega officinalis 6X. No research to date could be found on the effect of this complex on the
symptoms of computer-induced asthenopia.
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a homoeopathic complex eye drop solution on the
symptoms of computer-induced asthenopia using a Symptom Index Questionnaire.
This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, one day study. The study took place at the
University of Johannesburg (UJ) Doornfontein campus. Fifty participants between the ages of 18-35
years were recruited by means of purposive sampling. The sample group was shared with another
researcher focusing on rating ocular discomfort using a visual analogue scale and assessing tear breakup
time (TBUT). Participants were recruited by means of advertisements placed at the UJ
Doornfontein campus with permission given. An initial consultation took place at the UJ Optometry
Clinic; all potential participants were requested to read and sign the Participant Information and
Consent Form and complete the Participant Selection Questionnaire. The participants who met the
criteria were screened for any refractive errors using an autorefractor by a qualified optometrist. The
participants who had significant refractive errors were excluded from the study. Participants
proceeded to the computer lab at UJ to play a computer game for a two hour period, after which they
then completed the Symptom Index Questionnaire (SIQ), evaluating the symptoms of asthenopia.
Participants then returned to the computer lab and were divided into two groups: one group received
the homoeopathic complex eye drop solution (treatment group) and the other group distilled water...