Trapezius activity during personal computer work with progressive addition lenses for general purpose and for computer work in neophytes

Abstract Introduction This study analysed the impact of general purpose progressive addition lenses (GP‐PALs) and computer progressive addition lenses (PC‐PALs) on the activity of the trapezius muscle during computer operation. Methods In this randomised, single‐blinded, crossover study, surface electromyography (SEMG) signals were recorded bilaterally from the trapezius muscle during a 30‐min computer task performed wearing different presbyopic corrections. The amplitude probability distribution function and its percentiles, gap frequency, muscular rest time and sustained low‐level muscle activity periods were analysed in 32 subjects with artificially induced presbyopia. Subjectively perceived differences in vision and postural load between lenses were evaluated using a seven‐item questionnaire (non‐standardised, visual analogue scale ranged from 1 [bad] to 100 [good]). Results Considering the SEMG data, no significant difference in the muscular activity of the trapezius muscle was observed when using GP‐PALs or PC‐PALs for computer operation. However, PC‐PALs showed statistically and clinically significantly higher results for subjectively perceived visual quality (78.4–31.3; p  < 0.001), spontaneous tolerance (79.2–31.3; p  < 0.001) and field of view (75.9–23.5; p  < 0.001) compared with GP‐PALs. Conclusions Even though the electromyographic approach did not show a significant differentiation between the lenses, the subjective evaluation was clearly in favour of PC‐PALs. Eye care practitioners should always take an occupational history of presbyopes, ask about the workplace situation and consider the use of PC‐PALs.