Identification of the preferential gaze position through elevation of visual fatigue in a selected group of VDU operators. A preliminary study.

A selected group of VDU workers were tested in an attempt to achieve objective evidence of visual fatigue and to identify a preferential monitor/gaze position during a particular work setting. Each subject was scored in a two-phase test. The highest mean scores were achieved when the monitor was lowered with respect to the primary/gaze position; the scores obtained with the monitor in primary or upward gaze position were significantly lower (p < 0.001). The downward gaze position should be considered more comfortable for both innervational and anatomical factors, as stated in previous studies of ocular mobility. A reduction of vertical saccades could also play a role in lessening visual fatigue in this gaze position.