M.Tech. / As computers become more common in the work environment, more people are developing symptoms linked to long-term computer use. These include visual and eye-related symptoms as well as musculo-skeletal symptoms (Sheedy & Shaw-McMinn, 2003; Yan, Hu, Chen & Lu, 2007). This collection of symptoms is known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). There are various allopathic modes of treatment available which are limited in terms of their long term use and side effects. Yan and colleagues (2007) indicate that a correctly designed, ergonomically efficient work place plays a significant role in limiting the development of CVS symptoms. Depending on the reasons for CVS and the symptoms associated with it, alternative treatment options may be appropriate (Yan, et al., 2007). Homoeopathy offers alternate treatment, however no extensive research has been done on the homoeopathic treatment of this condition. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic remedy Ruta graveolens 6cH together with ergonomic interventions in the work environment in the treatment of Computer Vision Syndrome. This was done by means of a selection questionnaire (APPENDIX B) and a symptom index form (APPENDIX C), rating the severity and frequency of symptoms. This research study is paired to a related study which investigated the efficacy of Ruta graveolens 6cH without ergonomic interventions. These two studies can later be compared to determine whether the remedy Ruta graveolens 6cH by itself is sufficient in treating computer vision syndrome. This study was approved by the Higher Degrees Committee (HDC48/2009) and the Academic Ethics Committee (AEC50/09) at the University of Johannesburg on the 19 June 2009. Thirty one people joined the study. They were recruited by means of flyers and advertisements (APPENDIX E) placed at the University of Johannesburg as well as corporate companies. Participation was voluntary and by means of informed consent (APPENDIX A). Participants were required to fill in a selection questionnaire (APPENDIX B) to see if they qualified for the study. It was a double-blind placebo controlled study in which participants were placed into one of 2 groups. Both groups were required to change the layout of their work environment in order to ensure ergonomic efficiency at their work station (APPENDIX D). Of the two groups, one was dispensed vi the medicated prescription and the other an identically presented unmedicated prescription. Participants were requested to take the medication twice a day for 4 weeks. They were also required to complete a symptom index form (APPENDIX C) on a weekly basis. These forms were collected by the researcher at the end of the four weeks. There was no risk associated with taking the medication. Participants’ right to privacy was adhered to and they were free to withdraw from the study at any time. Of the 31 people who joined the study, 29 completed the study.

M. Tech. / The homoeopathic remedy, Ruta graveolens, is used for the treatment of eyestrain and eye related symptoms caused by the over use of the eyes (Kent, 2006). The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic remedy Ruta graveolens 6cH in the treatment of Computer Vision Syndrome. This study can be compared to related studies by means of the symptom index form (Appendix C). This double-blind study included thirty participants between the ages of 20 and 35. The participants had to be regular users of a visual display terminal for a minimum of three hours per day. The participants also had to experience at least two or more eye or vision related symptoms due to VDT use for at least one month prior to the start of the study. During the first consultation, each participant was tested for any refractive errors by a qualified optometrist. The participants were divided into two groups of fifteen each. One group received the remedy, Ruta graveolens 6cH, while the other group received the placebo. The participants were required to take four pillules twice a day for the duration of the study. The data was statistically analysed by means of the Mann-Whitney u Test, Friedman Analysis of Variance by Ranks Test and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. Crosstabs were used to check for confounding variables. The two groups, the placebo and the treatment group were tested against each other. The findings from the data illustrated that in the treatment group there was a statistically significant improvement in the severity of symptoms in seven of the fourteen symptoms over the duration of the study, while five of the fourteen symptoms of the placebo group had a statistically significant improvement in severity over the four week period. Overall the severity of the treatment group had an improvement of 42% compared to the 28% improvement of the placebo group. Both groups showed a reduction of the frequency of symptoms over the duration of the study.