Comparison of effects of periocular region dry and wet warming on visual acuity and near reflex

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of warming the periocular region for 10 minutes after visual display terminal (VDT) work on the near reflex, and the differences in influence between lid closure, dry and wet warming, and the amounts of water vapor. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Subjects in the first trial were 10 healthy volunteers (10 eyes). Following VDT, subjects wore either a warming eye steamer (water vapor: 200 mg/10 min) or an eye mask with their eyelids closed for 10 minutes. Subjects in the second trial were 5 healthy volunteers (5 eyes). Following VDT, subjects applied either a dry-warming sheet (water vapor: 0 mg/10 min) or a wet-warming sheet (water vapor: 20, 35, 160 and 200 mg/10 min) to there eyelids and the periocular region for 10 minutes. In both experiments, subjective amplitude of accommodation, pupillary reaction, convergence reaction, near vision, and breakup time were measured before and immediately after VDT work and after 2 experimental settings. RESULTS: The warming eye steamer significantly improved amplitude of accommodation (p<0.05), and near vision (p<0.05). Warming the periocular region with water vapor improved subjective amplitude of accommodation, and near vision, the effect of which depended on the amount of water vapor (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Warming the periocular region with water vapor improved subjective amplitude of accommodation, near vision and the effect depended on the amount of water vapor.