Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
Asthenopia (eyestrain) is defined as reversible fatigue of the eyes due to overuse of the visual system (Tiwari et al., 2011). This may be caused by an imbalance between visual capacity to fixate on a task and prolonged near work. Computer use is a common cause of asthenopia, with approximately 64-90% of people using computers suffering from ocular discomfort. The symptoms of asthenopia include tired, burning, itching eyes; lacrimation; photophobia; blurred and double vision; as well as occasional headaches (Blehm et al., 2005). Dryness of the eyes is also commonly associated with computer-induced asthenopia, and further aggravates asthenopic symptoms. Asthenopia has an impact on work productivity as well as quality of life (Djalilian, 2016, Portello et al., 2012, Rosenfield, 2011). Conventional treatment for asthenopia includes the use of lubricating eye drops and occupational glasses (Gaby, 2008) and in addition forced blinking and punctal occlusion for dry eyes (Rosenfield, 2011). There are many homoeopathic remedies indicated for the treatment of asthenopia. The homoeopathic complex assessed in this study is a readily available eye drop solution that is indicated for the relief of computer-induced asthenopia. The complex contains the following remedies: Conium maculatum 6X, Natrium muriaticum 6X, Ruta graveolens 6X and Senega officinalis 6X. To date, no research could be found on the effect of the complex on dry eyes associated with computer-induced asthenopia.
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a homoeopathic complex eye drop solution on dry eyes associated with computer-induced asthenopia, by means of a Visual Analogue Scale and assessing Tear Break-Up Time.
This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, one day study conducted at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). This was a combined study and the sample was shared with another researcher who assessed the effect of the complex on the symptoms of computer-induced asthenopia. Thirty -seven participants, aged 18-35 years, both male and female, were recruited by means of purposive sampling. Advertisements were placed at the UJ Doornfontein campus with permission obtained. Potential participants attended an initial consultation at the UJ Optometry Clinic; they were requested to read and sign the Participant Information and Consent Form, complete the Participant Selection Questionnaire and were tested for refractive errors. Patients who measured high errors were excluded from the study and referred for further assessment. Participants then played a...