It is estimated that over 50% of the U.S. population use computers. Currently, it is well documented that health concerns associated with Video Display Terminal (VDT) use have become the most noteworthy occupational illness of this decade, in particular, cumulative trauma disorders. However, nearly all surveys of computer workers show that vision and eye related problems are the most frequently reported health related symptoms, generally occurring in 70-75% of VDT operators. By comparison, a recent study released by NIOSH showed that 22% of VDT workers have musculoskeletal problems. A recent national survey of doctors of Optometry found that more than 14% of their patients present with eye or vision-related symptoms resulting from VDT use. The most common symptom are eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision and dry or irritated eyes.
Despite the frequency of eye related disorders at the VDT, there appears to be uncertainty and confusion regarding their importance and relationship to these other health related problems. The vision problems experienced by the VDT operator are varied. Unless you are familiar with the working of the visual system, it can be difficult to understand the impact it can have on the VDT operator. I am quite confident in stating that if you were asked which sense provides the most efficient and accurate means of processing information, you would respond, the eyes. "The Eyes Lead the Body". They are the sole means by which most VDT users obtain information to perform their work.
Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between people, their environment, the design of the workplace, and the tools and equipment used. Visual Ergonomics is the study of how the eye interacts with its environment for task performance, for example, with the VDT, and how the Human and Design Factors can impact upon the users health, comfort and efficiency.
This professional development seminar will begin by highlighting the visual problems associated with VDT use. The talk will then elaborate upon the various factors that contribute to eyestrain for the VDT operator. Visual Ergonomics solutions to create a healthier, more efficient and comfortable workstation environment will also be addressed. The issue of the possible need for legislation and regulation to cover the installation and use of the VDT will be mentioned. It is my desire that after this presentation you conclude that it makes good sense to address the #1 health complaints of computer users: Eyestrain.
Today, computers are bring people out of blue collar jobs into the automated office environment. Everyone from interior designers to chemical engineers uses a computer in his or her work. At home, people are using computers for everything from balancing their checkbooks to looking up recipes. There's no doubt that computer usage is up, in fact statistics show that over 50 % of the U.S. population currently use computers. This lifestyle change has resulted in a dramatic shift in the way we use are eyes.
