Relationship of Work, Environmental, and Individual Factors with Eye Fatigue Complaints in Batik Tulis Workers

Abstract

ABSTRAK

Background: Batik tulis work requires high visual precision with close viewing distance and long work duration, posing a risk of eye fatigue. Common complaints include sore eyes, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing. Globally, the prevalence of eye fatigue symptoms ranges from 67-70%, and can exceed 90% in certain groups. Research in Pakistan found approximately 48% of respondents experienced eye fatigue. A preliminary study on batik workers found 60% of respondents experienced similar complaints. If uncontrolled, this condition may reduce productivity, work quality, and worker health. This study aims to analyze the relationship between work, environmental, and individual factors with eye fatigue complaints among batik tulis workers. Methods: Observational analytical research with a cross-sectional approach was conducted on 35 batik tulis workers at the Semarang City batik center using purposive sampling. Independent variables included age, length of work per day, working period, eye-to-object distance, and lighting intensity, while the dependent variable was eye fatigue complaints. Data analysis used Chi-Square test, Fisher's Exact Test, and Mann-Whitney test. Results: A total of 42.9% of respondents experienced eye fatigue complaints. There was a significant relationship between working time per day (p=0.005) and eye-to-object distance (p=0.000) with eye fatigue complaints. Age, working period, and lighting intensity did not show a significant relationship. Conclusion: Working time and non-ergonomic viewing distance are related to eye fatigue in batik tulis workers. Prevention should focus on regulating working duration and implementing ergonomic viewing distance.