Impact of different patterns of light on blink rate: A focus on occupational hazard

  • P. E. Ohwin Human Physiology Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Delta State University Abraka. Nigeria.
  • A. J. Money Dispensing Opticianry Department, Delta State College of Health Sciences, Ofuoma, Ughelli, Nigeria.
  • O. O. Ofulue Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba.
  • E. O. Emurotu Department of Optometry, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba.
  • Z. B. Ovili-Odili Human Physiology Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Delta State University Abraka. Nigeria.
  • E. E. Cooke Dispensing Opticianry Department, Delta State College of Health Sciences, Ofuoma, Ughelli, Nigeria.
  • J. C. Odogwu Human Physiology Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Delta State University Abraka. Nigeria.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14879586
Keywords: Maximum blink rate, Average blink interval, light patterns, ocular surface, lubrication

Abstract

Blinking is a protective function of the eye in keeping the ocular surface lubricated continuously. Current research evaluated the impact of different patterns of light on blink rate with a focus on occupational hazard. The study was carried out on subjects within Abraka and Agbor. The inclusion criteria include cyber or Information communication and technology (ICT) workers who spend long time on screen of smart devices, Television and Laptops, staffs of clubs and bars who works overnight and people in rural area who are less exposed to these light patterns. Data was collected using; A closed ended questionnaire, maximum blink interval and blink rate were determined using a stopwatch. The study recruited both sex; males (n=41, 51.3%) and females (n=39, 48.8%). The blink rate was recorded as the highest mean value (27.87) compared to that of maximum blink interval (MBI) mean (27.68). The blink rate of the individuals studied ranged from 9.00cm to 50.00cm. The average blink interval for those exposed to tonic light is 27.64 while MBI is 29.49. However, correlation with MBI has a negative (r-0.198) relationship with blink interval. The average blink interval for those exposed to rhythmic light is 25.28 while MBI is 27.13. However, correlation with MBI has a negative (r-0.175) relationship with blink intervals. The effect of tonic and rhythmic light on the studied groups showed that 71.4% exposed to tonic light pattern reported “No tearing on exposure to fan/AC” while 28.6% reported mildtearing.The descriptive statistics of the relationship between tonic light, MBI and blink rate showed a negative correlation (r=-0.198). This study has shown that light exposure arising from occupational and domestic activities can lead to an irregular blink rate which can result in inability to keep the ocular surface constantly lubricated, and obstructing homeostasis.

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Published
2024-09-30
How to Cite
Ohwin, P. E., Money, A. J., Ofulue, O. O., Emurotu, E. O., Ovili-Odili, Z. B., Cooke, E. E., & Odogwu, J. C. (2024). Impact of different patterns of light on blink rate: A focus on occupational hazard. GPH-International Journal of Applied Science, 7(09), 69-77. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14879586
Issue
Vol 7 No 09 (2024): GPH-International Journal of Applied Science
Section
Articles
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