ADVICE ON HOW TO REDUCE "COMPUTER DISTRESS SYMPTOMS"

1.COMPUTER SYSTEM

The VDT, Video Display Terminal, is unlike a book on your lap, straight infront of the user, making it more susceptible to visual interference(glare, distracting background objects, room light intensity variations). Amirror effect can occur. The "straight ahead" screen puts different eyemuscles to work, leading to visual stress.

The contrast on the screen is very important. A dimly lit work environmentworks best. The eye has less adjusting to do, when shifting back and forthfrom the low light intensity of the computer screen to the varyingbrightness of the room. Use a desk lamp to provide light for the printedtext. Avoid getting glare from the lamp on the screen.

Screen colors are important . Avoid red and blue screen characters. Idealcolors are in the middle of the light spectrum . Use green, yellow , andorange characters.Choose a color that feels comfortable to look at. Most screen use lightprint on a dark background (opposite what you see in a book black on whitebackground.) Research is inconclusive about what is better. Try it bothways to see which feels better, try varying it thru the day. Adjust thescreen brightness and contrast for maximum comfort. The character sizeshould be 2.5-3.0mm and be in sharp focus. The resolution of the printdepends on the dot matrix dimensions. 7x9 is best; 9x11 is better. The fonttype should be an easy one to see at a glance.

Check your VDT every 6 months to see that it is operating at themanufacturer's specifications . Look at the manufacturer's guide on how tomake periodic inspections. This will maintain text character quality .Screen filters help eliminate glare and static . Filters with polarizingproperties trap light reflected from the computer screen and so enhancescreen contrast.

Be sure your filter doesn't make the screen darker and reduce the characterreadability. Static and dust on the screen need to be cleaned daily with ananti-static spray or cloth. Cover the terminal at night . The best filtersare, of course, the most expensive .

A VDT visor is an economical way to reduce glare and reflections . Use adetachable keyboard so it can be set in a comfortable position.

II.COMPUTER WORK STATION
COMPUTER WORKING DISTANCE

Recommend: 20 inches (50 centimeters)The line of sight to the top of the screen: Recommend 20 degrees belowhorizontal. The line of sight to the bottom of the screen: Recommend 40degrees below horizontal.

MANUSCRIPT HOLDER:
Recommend text to be at the dame level as the display screen, thus at sameeye level as the VDT 'TERMINAL SPECTACLES': Recommend special glasses asprescribed for the patient by their doctor to suit the needs of the patient

COMPUTER FURNITURE AND WORK SPACE DESIGN

Avoid chairs that are awkward and uncomfortable when trying to see thescreen or use the keyboard. Use an adjustable pneumatic chair with back(lumbar) support. A swivel chair with a sturdy base on coasters is good.The VDT should have a tilt and swivel base. This helps control glare andscreen reflections. Copy holder is needed to hold the text at the samedistance and height at the screen . The copy can be placed between thekeyboard and the screen. Control your work space to gain comfort,functionality, privacy. This enhances your efficiency. Consult computercatalogues to see what might work well at your station.

Eliminate glare from overhead light and windows. Rotate the screen awayfrom glare. Use filters, but watch our for any loss of screen contrast. Setthe room temperature so you are "comfy". Try to get some fresh air intoyour space. Reduce room illumination; try to get a dimmer switch so you canregulate the light . The room light should be 3 time brighter than the VDTscreen background. Use a desk lamp to see your text . Paint the room wallsin flat matte finish or pastel color. Position your desk so you can look upand see across the room or out the window. Get up and walk around and lookfar away on your breaks . Keep your work area "quiet." Cover a high impactprinter to cut down on noise.

III. THE COMPUTER USER

1.Use artificial tears thur the day to moisturize your eyes from the dryair. Do complete blinks while waiting for your screen displays to change.We tend to not blink when doing visually demanding tasks.

2.Contact Lenses. BLINK! 6-15 times per minute . Drink 6-8 glasses of waterper day . Use artificial tears to rewet the eye and contact lenses . Re-clean your lenses after lunch.

3.Computer Eyeglasses. These are prescribed according to your visual systemfunctions, your age, and the distance of your eyes to the computer screen.(MEASURE IT!) Consider these as a part of your work attire, an "occupational tool" like a welder would consider his special safety filterglasses . OVER FORTY? Get computer bifocals ( top lens for the screen,bottom lens for seeing printed text) or computer trifocals or PAL'sprogressive addition lenses (invisible bifocals).

4.Routine vision exams. As times flies, your eyes change. Get itchecked!

5. Posture . Keep your feet on the floor. You may need a foot rest if youare short . Keep the trunk straight , but inclined forward slightly fromthe hips .Keep the wrists straight while typing . Don't rest the wrists onsharp edges. Keep the thighs horizontal with feet flat.

The upper arm should be straight vertically. The forearm should behorizontal or slightly lower than that while typing . Keep your legs fromhitting on the bottom of your desk.

6. Breaks ."20/20 Rule". After 20 minutes, look at distant objects for 20seconds. On data entry: break 10 minutes every hour. Get up and walk orexercise in your chair. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health recommend taking a15 minute alternate task break every hour if you are a full-time user. The above information is general in nature and may not be applicable toeach patient and their needs. Routine vision examinations are recommended.

EYE EXERCISES

1.Palming . Close your eyes and cover them with warmed, cupped hands.Rest your cheeks on the heel of your hands. Breathe deep and slow . Relax,imagine the beach or mountains or wide open spaces and try to see it withyour mind's eye.

2. Calendar-Book Rock. Look at your book propped up at about 16 inches.Focus on it. Look at the calendar or clock acro.