Abstract
Visual display units (VDU’s) such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, computers, game consoles
and televisions have become an essential part of our modern life both in school and at work
places (Izquierdo & Townsend, 2008). Up to 90% of computer users may experience visual
symptoms at one time or another with the use of VDU’s (Barthakur, 2013). Asthenopia
(eyestrain) is typically associated with near-work and symptoms include dry eyes, eye fatigue
and difficulty focusing. The major cause of computer-induced asthenopia is fatigue of the ciliary
and extra-ocular muscles due to prolonged accommodation and vergence required by near-vision
work (Tiwari et al., 2011). The severity of the symptoms is proportional to the time spent using a
VDU device and symptoms are substantially reduced after discontinuing usage; even so, the
symptoms can affect work productivity and quality of life (Barthakur, 2013).
Conventional treatment for asthenopia includes correction of refractive errors, use of
occupational glasses, eye drops and punctal occlusion (Garin, 2014); ergonomic measures can
also be helpful (Barthakur, 2013). Homoeopathy is a holistic treatment modality based on the
“Law of Similars” (Dekkers, 2009). Homoeopathic remedies enhance the body’s own curative
abilities, enabling the body to heal itself (Ahmad, 2005). Homoeopathic remedies may provide a
safe complementary treatment option for asthenopia. The homoeopathic complex eye drop
solution used in this study consists of Conium maculatum 6X, Natrum muriaticum 6X, Ruta
graveolens 6X and Senega officinalis 6X. It is a widely available eye drop solution indicated for
the relief of computer-induced asthenopia. To date, no specific research could be found on the
effect of this eye drop complex on the symptoms of computer-induced asthenopia.