A Pilot, Phase II, Observational, Case-Control, 1-Month Study on Asthenopia in Video Terminal Operators without Dry Eye: Contrast Sensitivity and Quality of Life before and after the Oral Consumption of a Fixed Combination of Zinc, L-Carnitine, Extract of Elderberry, Currant and Extract of Eleutherococcus.

Abstract

The aims of the study were to investigate the ability and effectiveness of an oral intake of a fixed combination of zinc, L-carnitine, elderberry extract, black currant and Eleutherococcus extract in controlling the symptoms of eyestrain in videoterminal (VDT) users and to record its effects on contrast sensitivity. A single-center, phase II, observational, case-control, 1-month study in VDT workers without dry eye disease was carried out. Demographics and number of actual hours at VDT/day were taken into account. All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, including assessment of contrast sensitivity, and completed the computer vision symptom scale questionnaire at baseline and one month later. A total of 30 Caucasian subjects adhered to the required inclusion criteria and completed the study; 15 subjects were treated (T) and 15 were controls (C). All clinical data at baseline were similar in both groups (p > 0.05): after one month, all subjects had stable visual acuity, refractive defect and intraocular pressure (IOP); screen exposure time was unchanged. Regarding symptoms, at randomization, the groups had a similar score: 33.1 ± 3.3 in T and 32.8 ± 5.6 in C. One month later, the computer vision symptom scale (CVSS) questionnaire score decreased by -14.1 ± 3, 1 (p = 0.000) and -2.3 ± 1.8 (p = 0.568), respectively. Regarding contrast sensitivity, in group C the values of spatial frequencies remained unchanged, while they improved in almost all the cycles per degree stimuli in the treated group. Oral intake of a fixed combination of zinc, L-carnitine, elderberry extract, black currant and eleutherococcus extract can significantly improve contrast sensitivity and symptoms in VDT workers with no signs of dry eye disease.

• Authors: Gemma Caterina Maria Rossi, Luigia Scudeller, Federica Bettio, Giovanni Milano
• Journal: Nutrients (Nutrients) Vol. 13 Issue 12 (Dec 13 2021) ISSN: 2072-6643 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 34960000 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Phase II, Journal Article, Observational Study, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Plant Extracts
• Zinc
• Carnitine

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Adult
• Asthenopia (drug therapy, etiology)
• Carnitine (administration & dosage)
• Computer Terminals
• Dry Eye Syndromes (drug therapy, etiology)
• Eleutherococcus (chemistry)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Plant Extracts (administration & dosage, chemistry)
• Ribes (chemistry)
• Sambucus (chemistry)
• Visual Acuity (drug effects)
• Zinc (administration & dosage)