Computer Users - take care

These are health hazards Computer Users / Software Engineers are prone to because of sitting before a computer for long hours:


EYES AND VISION
There are a number of symptoms that may be experienced by computer operators. These symptoms include: visual fatigue, blurred or double vision, burning and tearing eyes, headaches and frequent changes in eyeglass prescription. There is no scientific evidence that computer work causes permanent eye damage, but the temporary discomfort that may occur can reduce productivity, cause lost work time and reduce job satisfaction. Eye complaints are usually the result of glare (direct, specular or diffuse) or visual fatigue.

GLARE
Direct glare is caused by bright windows or strong light sources that are in the visual field of the computer operator (i.e., a strong light shining in your face as you look at the monitor)
Specular glare is reflection that appears on the glass surface of the display screen similar to a mirror like image
Diffuse glare is patches of the screen that are washed out and have lost contrast due to light bouncing off the inner phosphor layer of the monitor surface, similar to washout that occurs to a television image from bright sunlight
Controls To Avoid Glare

Keep the monitor at an angle that prevents the light source from shining on the screen and washing out characters
Use blinds, drapes or shades to block glare from windows
Avoid light colored clothing
Use a micromesh antiglare filter on the screen to scatter and absorb light or use a neutral density filter to scatter and diffuse light

Visual Fatigue
Extended periods of computer use can put physical strain on the eyes in a number of ways. The following are common causes of visual fatigue:
Staring at the screen without varying eye position or focus
Dry eyes caused by infrequent blinking or low humidity (below 40%)
Maintaining a viewing angle that is above the horizon (higher than if one were looking straight ahead)
Poor image quality due to lack of contrast, a screen that is too bright or dim, flickering of the screen image, inadequate screen resolution or clarity
Intense display colors
Incorrect eyeglass prescription

Controls To Avoid Visual Fatigue

Exercise the eyes by periodically focusing on objects at varying distances
Keep the screen and document holder at the same distance from the eyes
Practice blinking regularly
Add moisture to the air with a steam humidifier, open pans of water or plants
Adjust the screen height so that when seated the top line of the monitor is no higher than your eyes
Adjust the brightness control for comfort
Keep the screen clean
Adjust the contrast control to make the characters distinct from the background
Service or repair monitors that flicker or have inadequate clarity
Consult an optometrist regarding special lenses or the use of bifocals, have regular eye examinations and indicate the distance from your eyes to the monitor


MUSCULOSKELETAL
Musculoskeletal problems occurring with computer use may range from simple muscle fatigue or neck and back ache to cumulative trauma disorders. Cumulative trauma disorders are associated with tasks that require repetitive motions occurring over long periods of time. The two that may be experienced by keyboard users include Tenosynovitis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the sheaths through which the tendons of the fingers pass. It is caused by rapid flexing of the fingers and wrists. Symptoms are pain in the wrist and back of the hand. Tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendon itself, may also be a problem for computer users.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition caused by compression or squeezing of the median nerve which passes through the carpal tunnel of the wrist bones. Pressure on the nerve causes numbness, tingling, burning or pain in the palms, fingers or wrists. The problem can intensify over time, spreading up the arm and weakening the muscles, so that one may drop objects being carried or fail to sense hot or cold. CTS can be aggravated by swelling of the tendon sheaths such as in tenosynovitis.


MUSCULOSKELETAL PROBLEMS
Musculoskeletal complaints involving muscular fatigue or cumulative trauma disorders are usually the result of the following conditions:

Maintaining an unnatural or unhealthy posture while using the computer
Inadequate lower back support
Static load placed on the body by sitting in the same position for an extended period of time (i.e., turning head to the side to view poorly placed document)
An ergonomically poor workstation design

Furthermore, Computers emit Electro-Magnetic Waves which interfere with the working of the body organs. The heart is specially vulnerable to such adverse impact.

Please note ECG is a test that studies the wave pattern of the heart...this wave pattern of the heart can be interfered with by Electro-magnetic frequencies i.e. EMF generated by computers, air-conditioners, printers, fax machines, mobile phones, micro-wave ovens.

(A lady who has a pace maker fitted in her heart is advised to stay away from a Micro-wave oven).

Best wishes,
Pankaj Varma