Did you know that video display terminal syndrome (VDT), also known as computer vision syndrome (CVS), is a major health issue?

Optometrists report more than 10 million children, women, and men suffer from computer vision syndrome each year.

Whether it's homework, computer games, video games, or work, today most children and adults spend a lot of time staring at computer monitors and television screens.

This means that we are all subjecting ourselves to very low and extremely low frequency electromagnetic field radiation, which may be hazardous to your health, as well as setting us up for physical problems, such as headaches, blurred vision, light sensitivity, fatigue, irritated eyes, dry eyes, or musculoskeletal problems such as neck and shoulder tension.

For Children and Adults, Review How You Spend Time At The Computer

You should...

• take breaks every 15 minutes or so to relieve eye strain on your eye muscles; focus on
  something in the distance; blink your eyes enough to keep them lubricated

• practice good posture in order to eliminate stress on your shoulders, back, neck, arms,
  wrists, and legs

• minimize repetitive motion, the main contributor to VDT; sitting for long periods of time,
  doing the same type of work can lead to pain and physical discomfort, frequently in the
  wrist, and this can lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• get up and take a rest away from your workstation at least 2 hours; muscles used in
  position for extended periods of time will fatigue; your circulation to your working
  muscles is affected; stretch to improve blood flow and to keep your muscles working
  optimally

• use proper eyewear - remember, the prescription you wear every day may not be the
  prescription you need when at the computer - consider a thorough eye exam with a prescription designed especially for computer use

For Children and Adults, Review The Way You Spend Time At The Computer

Your workstation needs...

• a well-designed chair

• an adjustable, bi-level terminal table

• a padded and detachable wrist rest

• a copy holder

• adequate knee clearance

• antiglare screen which is 16 to 30 inches from your eyes

• a monitor that is about level with your eyes so you look down at the screen

• indirect lighting to avoid glare from the screen; general lighting as bright as the computer
  monitor; windows shaded to control the amount and direction of light entering the room

• a foot rest

A Word About Television and Reading

• watch television from a distance of about eight feet; make sure lighting does not reflect
  on the television screen

• don't lie down while reading or watching television, always sit up, even in bed

• lighting for near-vision tasks should be 3 times brighter than surrounding environment