Indoor-air quality and ocular discomfort.

BACKGROUND: Almost 25 million workers in 1.2 million commercial buildings in the United States have symptoms of sick building syndrome (SBS). It is a source of ocular discomfort and may exacerbate the successful wear of contact lenses. This study examines the relationship between SBS and oculovisual discomfort.

METHODS: Measurements of carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, temperature, and humidity were performed in 12 public office buildings that contained a total of 877 occupants. A questionnaire survey of the occupants was also performed.

RESULTS: Thirty-five percent of the occupants of the buildings were dissatisfied with the indoor-air quality. Twenty-nine percent of the office building occupants reported ocular discomfort.

CONCLUSION: There was a significant correlation between eye irritation, throat irritation, and symptoms of blurred near vision. Ocular discomfort could be an indicator of poor indoor-air quality and a sick building syndrome.