Visual Discomfort Profile and Efficacy of Optometric Intervention as a Management Modality in Discomfort Associated with Internal Symptom Factor among a Cohort of Young Adults

Visual discomfort encompasses a range of adverse symptoms which occur in response to a viewing environment with varied stimuli. When the visual system operates near its physiological limits for an extended period, it results in exhaustion, which often manifests as visual stress or discomfort. A key contributor to visual discomfort is Near Point Stress, which is often triggered during or after a task that requires prolonged visual attention. It is frequently associated with digital screen use, reading, and other close work. Young adults, particularly students and early professionals, are frequently engaged in near vision tasks and digital devices, which increases their risk of experiencing visual discomfort.

The causes of visual discomfort are varied, and based on symptom factor analysis, it can be broadly classified as External Symptom Factor (ESF) and Internal Symptom Factor (ISF). ESF consist of symptoms such as burning, irritation, tearing, and dryness caused by open eyelids, glare, up gaze, small font, and flickering. which is highly related to dry-eye symptoms whereas ISF consist of symptoms of ache, strain behind the eyes. and headache located behind the eyes. which are caused by the close viewing distance, ametropia, accommodative, and vergence stress.

 ISF is often associated with asthenopia and owing to the transient nature, diverse causes and manifestations of visual discomfort, a comprehensive assessment of visual skills is essential for accurately diagnosing any dysfunctions. Anomalies of accommodation, vergence, eye movement, and refractive status have been managed effectively using lenses, prisms, and vision therapy interventions.

 This study aims to screen a cohort of young adults for symptoms of visual discomfort using the Visual Discomfort Questionnaire (VDQ) and Binocular Vision Dysfunction Questionnaire (BVDQ). Participants with suggestive scores will undergo detailed diagnostic evaluations, and on diagnosis, visual dysfunctions will be categorized and managed accordingly using optometric intervention in the form of optical correction and vision therapy. This study will also assess the effectiveness of these interventions over a period of 12 week.