The Computer-Vision Symptom Scale (CVSS17): development and initial validation.

PURPOSE To develop a questionnaire (in Spanish) to measure computer-related visual and ocular symptoms (CRVOS). METHODS A pilot questionnaire was created by consulting the literature, clinicians, and video display terminal (VDT) workers. The replies of 636 subjects completing the questionnaire were assessed using the Rasch model and conventional statistics to generate a new scale, designated the Computer-Vision Symptom Scale (CVSS17). Validity and reliability were determined by Rasch fit statistics, principal components analysis (PCA), person separation, differential item functioning (DIF), and item-person targeting. To assess construct validity, the CVSS17 was correlated with a Rasch-based visual discomfort scale (VDS) in 163 VDT workers, this group completed the CVSS17 twice in order to assess test-retest reliability (two-way single-measure intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] and their 95% confidence intervals, and the coefficient of repeatability [COR]). RESULTS The CVSS17 contains 17 items exploring 15 different symptoms. These items showed good reliability and internal consistency (mean square infit and outfit 0.88-1.17, eigenvalue for the first residual PCA component 1.37, person separation 2.85, and no DIF). Pearson's correlation with VDS scores was 0.60 (P < 0.001). Intraclass correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability was 0.849 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.800-0.887), and COR was 8.14. CONCLUSIONS The Rasch-based linear-scale CVSS17 emerged as a useful tool to quantify CRVOS in computer workers. : Spanish Abstract.

[1]  Robert W. Massof,et al.  Evaluation of the NEI visual functioning questionnaire as an interval measure of visual ability in low vision , 2001, Vision Research.

[2]  D. Cella,et al.  Patient-reported outcome instrument selection: designing a measurement strategy. , 2007, Value in health : the journal of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research.

[3]  John M Linacre,et al.  Optimizing rating scale category effectiveness. , 2002, Journal of applied measurement.

[4]  L. Rajmil.  Health measurement scales. A practical guide to their development and use, 3rd ed , 2005 .

[5]  Mitchell Scheiman,et al.  Validity and reliability of the revised convergence insufficiency symptom survey in adults , 2004, Ophthalmic & physiological optics : the journal of the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians.

[6]  R. Klein,et al.  Psychometric properties of the 25-item NEI-VFQ in a Hispanic population: Proyecto VER. , 2001, Investigative ophthalmology & visual science.

[7]  K. Pesudovs,et al.  Quality Assessment of Ophthalmic Questionnaires: Review and Recommendations , 2013, Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry.

[8]  C. Blehm,et al.  Computer vision syndrome: a review. , 2005, Survey of ophthalmology.

[9]  B. Wick,et al.  A Case-Comparison of Intermittent Exotropia and Quality of Life Measurements , 1997, Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry.

[10]  M. Imbriani,et al.  [Asthenopia and work at video display terminals: study of 191 workers exposed to the risk by administration of a standardized questionnaire and ophthalmologic evaluation]. , 2006, Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia.

[11]  G. Mitchell,et al.  Validity and Reliability of the Revised Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey in Children Aged 9 to 18 Years , 2003, Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry.

[12]  A. Damiano,et al.  The VF-14. An index of functional impairment in patients with cataract. , 1994, Archives of ophthalmology.

[13]  Lys Esther Rocha,et al.  Risk factors for computer visual syndrome (CVS) among operators of two call centers in São Paulo, Brazil. , 2012, Work.

[14]  E. Waclawski.  Health Measurement Scales—A Practical Guide to Their Development and Use , 2010 .

[15]  Konrad Pesudovs,et al.  The Quality of Life Impact of Refractive Correction (QIRC) Questionnaire: Development and Validation , 2004, Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry.

[16]  B L Cole,et al.  Effect of VDUs on the Eyes: Report of a 6-Year Epidemiological Study , 1996, Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry.

[17]  Margaret Wu,et al.  APPLYING THE RASCH MODEL TO PSYCHO-SOCIAL MEASUREMENT A PRACTICAL APPROACH , 2007 .

[18]  J M Bland,et al.  Statistical methods for assessing agreement between two methods of clinical measurement , 1986 .

[19]  W. Ridder,et al.  Measuring Visual Discomfort in College Students , 2007, Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry.

[20]  Gunnar Horgen,et al.  Musculoskeletal, visual and psychosocial stress in VDU operators after moving to an ergonomically designed office landscape. , 2008, Applied ergonomics.

[21]  Julie F Pallant,et al.  The impact of vision impairment questionnaire: an assessment of its domain structure using confirmatory factor analysis and rasch analysis. , 2007, Investigative ophthalmology & visual science.

[22]  Mn DipN Cert Ed Rgn Scm and Janice Rattray PhD.  Essential elements of questionnaire design and development , 2007 .

[23]  Joseph Ribak,et al.  Effects of job-related stress and burnout on asthenopia among high-tech workers , 2012, Ergonomics.

[24]  S. Coren,et al.  Validation of a self-report inventory for the measurement of visual acuity. , 1989, International journal of epidemiology.

[25]  D. Altman,et al.  Statistics notes: Cronbach's alpha , 1997 .

[26]  David B. Elliott,et al.  The Refractive Status and Vision Profile: Evaluation of psychometric properties and comparison of Rasch and summated Likert-scaling , 2006, Vision Research.

[27]  J. Sheedy,et al.  Is all Asthenopia the Same? , 2003, Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry.

[28]  Mark Rosenfield,et al.  Computer‐related visual symptoms in office workers , 2012, Ophthalmic & physiological optics : the journal of the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians.

[29]  S Coren,et al.  Color vision screening without the use of technical equipment: Scale development and cross-validation , 1988, Perception & psychophysics.

[30]  Jennifer E. Hue,et al.  The effects of induced oblique astigmatism on symptoms and reading performance while viewing a computer screen , 2012, Ophthalmic & physiological optics : the journal of the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians.

[31]  J. Sheedy,et al.  Computer Use, Symptoms, and Quality of Life , 2007, Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry.

[32]  M. Doughty,et al.  Are there differences between 'visual symptoms' and specific ocular symptoms associated with video display terminal (VDT) use? , 2007, Contact lens & anterior eye : the journal of the British Contact Lens Association.

[33]  K. Pesudovs,et al.  The importance of rating scale design in the measurement of patient-reported outcomes using questionnaires or item banks. , 2012, Investigative ophthalmology & visual science.

[34]  R. Massof,et al.  Visual function assessment questionnaires. , 2001, Survey of ophthalmology.

[35]  K. Pesudovs,et al.  The importance of rating scales in measuring patient-reported outcomes , 2012, Health and Quality of Life Outcomes.

[36]  Konrad Pesudovs,et al.  The Development, Assessment, and Selection of Questionnaires , 2007, Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry.

[37]  T. Christensen,et al.  Qualitative research and content validity: developing best practices based on science and experience , 2009, Quality of Life Research.

[38]  B. Forster,et al.  Prevalence of eye strain among radiologists: influence of viewing variables on symptoms. , 2005, AJR. American journal of roentgenology.

[39]  J. Cooper,et al.  Asthenopia Induced by Computer-Generated Fusional Vergence Targets , 1992, Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry.

[40]  S Coren,et al.  Screening for stereopsis without the use of technical equipment: scale development and cross-validation. , 1996, International journal of epidemiology.

[41]  Philippa Pattison,et al.  Measuring Visual Discomfort , 1999 .

[42]  Jonathan E. Moore,et al.  The development of an instrument to measure quality of vision: the Quality of Vision (QoV) questionnaire. , 2010, Investigative ophthalmology & visual science.

[43]  Christina A. Chu,et al.  A comparison of symptoms after viewing text on a computer screen and hardcopy , 2011, Ophthalmic & physiological optics : the journal of the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians.