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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2016 Aug 18:16:296.
doi: 10.1186/s12906-016-1283-x.

The effect of Vaccinium uliginosum extract on tablet computer-induced asthenopia: randomized placebo-controlled study

Choul Yong Park  1   2 , Namyi Gu  3 , Chi-Yeon Lim  4 , Jong-Hyun Oh  5 , Minwook Chang  5 , Martha Kim  5 , Moo-Yong Rhee  6
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

The effect of Vaccinium uliginosum extract on tablet computer-induced asthenopia: randomized placebo-controlled study

Choul Yong Park et al. BMC Complement Altern Med. .

Abstract

Background: To investigate the alleviation effect of Vaccinium uliginosum extract (DA9301) on tablet computer-induced asthenopia.

Methods: This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind and parallel study (Trial registration number: 2013-95). A total 60 volunteers were randomized into DA9301 (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The DA9301 group received DA9301 oral pill (1000 mg/day) for 4 weeks and the control group received placebo. Asthenopia was evaluated by administering a questionnaire containing 10 questions (responses were scored on a scales of 0-6; total score: 60) regarding ocular symptoms before (baseline) and 4 weeks after receiving pills (DA9301 or placebo). The participants completed the questionnaire before and after tablet computer (iPad Air, Apple Inc.) watching at each visit. The change in total asthenopia score (TAS) was calculated and compared between the groups

Results: TAS increased significantly after tablet computer watching at baseline in DA9301 group. (from 20.35 to 23.88; p = 0.031) However, after receiving DA9301 for 4 weeks, TAS remained stable after tablet computer watching. In the control group, TAS changes induced by tablet computer watching were not significant both at baseline and at 4 weeks after receiving placebo. Further analysis revealed the scores for "tired eyes" (p = 0.001), "sore/aching eyes" (p = 0.038), "irritated eyes" (p = 0.010), "watery eyes" (p = 0.005), "dry eyes" (p = 0.003), "eye strain" (p = 0.006), "blurred vision" (p = 0.034), and "visual discomfort" (p = 0.018) significantly improved in the DA9301 group.

Conclusions: We found that oral intake of DA9301 (1000 mg/day for 4 weeks) was effective in alleviating asthenopia symptoms induced by tablet computer watching.

Trial registration: The study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (registration number: NCT02641470, date of registration December 30, 2015).

Keywords: Antioxidant; Asthenopia; Billberry; Computer vision syndrome; Vaccinium.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic design of the study
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Flowchart (CONSORT) of the participants throughout the study. N: number
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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