Prevention of Visual Computer Syndrome in teachers who telework in an Educational Unit

Abstract

Introduction. During the pandemic, confinement forced teachers to telework, modifying occupational risks and therefore the consequences of their exposure. Ergonomic risk-related pathologies are the most common, even causing visual problems. Objective. To establish an ergonomic prevention plan, using the ROSA (Rapid Office Strain Assessment) method,  to reduce the prevalence of Computer Visual Syndrome (SVI) in teachers who perform telework in Educational Unit A. Methodology. A prospective, correlational, quantitative qualitative research was carried out. A 75 teachers were evaluated, exposed for six months to teleworking. For the diagnosis of the pathology, the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) was used, while to determine the level of ergonomic risk to which they were exposed, an analysis was carried out with the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) method. Results: After the application of the CVS-Q, 76% of teachers presented with SVI, with the age range  with the highest prevalence being 20-35 years. On the other hand, with the initial evaluation of the ROSA method, 61.3% of teachers who present a high and very high level of risk were identified, evidencing in all cases, a daily exposure greater than 4 hours. Of these workers, 91.3% have Computer Visual Syndrome. After the application of the ergonomic prevention plan, it was possible to reduce the level of ergonomic risk,  modifying: exposure time to screen and peripherals, seat height, inclination of the backrest and lumbar support, position of the screen, brightness and reflections on the screen, use of the phone and use of the mouse.  Conclusion. The adequacy of the workplace with the implementation of active breaks, ocular gymnastics, screen exposure time, correct use of peripherals, use of ergonomic chair, screen position, use of anti-reflective screen, use of ergonomic mouse, lower risk 100% ergonomic according to the ROSA method..