VDT (Visual Display Terminals) Syndrome refers to various mental and physical disorders caused by the long-term use of personal computers and smartphones (smartphones). Complaints of fatigue symptoms due to Vdt Syndrome tend to increase in proportion to working hours. In addition to dry eyes and Eye strain caused by concentrating on watching the screen, and stiffness, pain, and numbness in the neck, shoulders, and lower back caused by sitting in the same position for a long time, VDT syndrome can also cause mental problems such as insomnia and irritability. Symptoms may even appear.

In order to prevent these symptoms, it is important to prepare the work environment and pay attention to your posture. Also, above all, it is important not to work on your computer or smartphone continuously for a long time.

The maintenance of the indoor environment and posture during work is important

In order to prevent VDT syndrome, it is important to prepare an appropriate indoor environment that is easy on the eyes and to pay attention to posture during work.

In the room, adjust the brightness of the lighting to minimize the difference between the brightness of the screen, the documents at hand, and the keyboard, and the brightness of the room, so that there are no bright spots. The reflection of sunlight and other lights on the computer screen will tire your eyes, so it is a good idea to adjust the layout so that the reflection is not reflected or to put a film on the screen to reduce the reflection. Add curtains or blinds to bright windows in your field of vision, if necessary.

As for the working posture, sit deeply in the chair, fully rest your back on the backrest, and stretch your back. Sit so that the soles of your feet, such as shoes or sandals, touch the floor, leaving enough room for your palms to fit between the chair and your thighs.

Prevent eye fatigue and dry eye

In order to reduce eye fatigue, it is necessary to consider the position of the computer screen. Place your computer display at least 40 cm away from your eyes, and place the top edge of the screen at eye level or slightly below your eyes. Keeping your gaze slightly downward when viewing the screen can help reduce dry eye symptoms, which can lead to pain and loss of vision due to dry eyes. In addition to the installation location, adjusting the screen character size and screen brightness (brightness) to an appropriate level will also reduce eye strain.

If you are wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses, please use the appropriate degree that matches the distance from the computer screen. If you continue to force yourself to use something that is not suitable for you, it will strain your eyes and cause eye strain to worsen.

When working on a computer, I often stare at the display, and before I realize it, the number of times I blink has decreased. Dry eyes are caused by dryness of the eyes, so be conscious of blinking while working. If the wind from the air conditioner hits your face, your eyes will dry out easily, so it is also important to avoid direct wind blowing.

In addition, if dry eye is left untreated, the cornea of the eye will be damaged, and bacteria will enter from there, making it easier for infections to occur. Caution is required as it may lead to sudden loss of vision due to infection.

Take frequent breaks to refresh yourself

No matter how much you care about your environment and posture and try to prevent eye fatigue, continuing to work for long periods of time will lead to the symptoms of VDT syndrome. Avoid long hours of continuous work such as using a computer, and take frequent breaks.

According to the “Guidelines for Occupational Health Management in VDT Work” established by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, continuous work should not exceed 1 hour, and in addition to taking 1-2 short breaks during continuous work, the following: It is recommended to have a 10 to 15-minute work break between continuous work. When you’re not working, stretch your neck and shoulders, and rest your eyes by looking at distant scenery without looking at the screen.

Taking small breaks between tasks to rest your body and eyes will help you feel refreshed and increase the efficiency of your next task.