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In this modern day and age, we all know of, or have experienced the eye strain and various discomforts associated with using a computer - be that back, neck or wrist and arm pain. Certain reports have been received of computer users developing digestion problems, as well (whether this is caused by the frustration of having to wait for pages to download, or from incorrect posture, we don’t know)!
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Since we have many internet clients we have decided to include a page on health concerns regarding computer usage, and hope that this will be of interest, making your internet surfing more enjoyable.
Computers have often been blamed for causing a wide range of health problems. In actual fact, it is found that in most cases it is actually be WAY in which the computers are used that creates the problem.
Many studies have been done to investigate whether the radiation from computer screens is harmful to the health, but so far it seems that working with a computer is not found to be harmful, if certain safety factors are kept in mind.
Studies show that a small percentage of people develop a skin rash or irritation when using a computer for extended periods. The cause is thought to result from a variety of factors, including a combination of dry air, static electricity and individual susceptibility.
The heat generated by the monitor or screen may also cause dry eyes in certain individuals, but blinking often or using “natural tear” eye drops may alleviate the symptoms.
Sufferers of photo-sensitive epilepsy may find that a flickering screen or striped patterns may trigger an attack.
Headaches may result from working with a computer, and these are found to be caused by the following:
Screen glare Poor image quality A need for an eye test Stress, caused by the pace at work Reading for long periods Anxiety about new technology Poor posture Or a combination of these factors
Working with the mouse or typing on the keyboard may also cause aches and pains, as the mouse requires the repetitive use of one hand and arm and the same 2 fingers and the wrists may start to ache from typing. Any discomfort is usually resolved by correct posture and technique.
Herewith a few hints, to make you more comfortable while using your computer and to reduce eyestrain and upper body stress or injury:
Adjust your chair to find the most comfortable position for you.
Your forearms should be approximately horizontal and your eyes the same height as the top of the computer monitor.
Make sure you have enough work space to take whatever documents or other equipment you need.
Try different arrangements of keyboard, screen, mouse and documents to find the best arrangement for you. A document holder may help you avoid awkward neck and eye movements.
Arrange your desk and monitor to avoid glare, or bright reflections on the screen. This will be easiest if neither you nor the screen is directly facing windows or bright lights. Adjust curtains or blinds to prevent unwanted light.
Make sure there is space under your desk to move your legs freely. Move any obstacles such as boxes or equipment.
Avoid excess pressure from the edge of your seat on the backs of your legs and knees. A footrest may be helpful, particularly for smaller users.
Adjust your keyboard to get a good keying position. A space in front of the keyboard is sometimes helpful for resting the hands and wrists when not keying.
Try to keep your wrists straight when keying. Keep a soft touch on the keys and don’t overstretch your fingers. Good keyboard technique is important.
Position the mouse within easy reach, so it can be used with the wrist straight. Sit upright and close to the desk, so you don’t have to work with your mouse arm stretched. Move the keyboard out of the way if it is not being used.
Support your forearm on the desk, and don’t grip the mouse too tightly.
Rest your fingers lightly on the buttons and do not press them hard.
Adjust the brightness and contrast controls on the screen to suit lighting conditions in the room.
Make sure the screen surface is clean.
In setting up software, choose options giving text that is large enough to read easily on your screen, when you are sitting in a normal, comfortable working position. Select colors that are easy on the eye (avoid red text on a blue background, or vice-versa).
Individual characters on the screen should be sharply focused and should not flicker or move. If they do, the screen may need servicing or adjustment.
Don’t sit in the same position for long periods. Make sure you change your posture as often as practicable. Some movement is desirable, but avoid repeated stretching to reach things you need (if this happens a lot, rearrange your workstation).
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