Transient myopia after visual work

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Abstract
After viewing at near distances for several hours observers may become temporarily myopic. This effect, known as transient myopia after visual work, was studied by measuring contrast sensitivity to a sinusoidally modulated grating pattern. After 3 h of editing text at a visual display terminal, a significant decrease in sensitivity was found in 5 of 7 subjects. The results showed interpersonal differences in the strength and the time course of work-induced myopia. Measurement of transient myopia by means of contrast sensitivity had the advantage of being rapid enough that even short-term effects were followed. The decrease in sensitivity was shown to be a purely optical effect of the eye.