The use of various smart devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets makes life more convenient, and at the same time, it is an essential element that provides many benefits throughout life, work, and leisure, such as improving work efficiency and delivering various visual attractions. it has been However, long-term use of these devices has a convenient advantage, but also acts as a major cause of problems in various body organs such as the eyes, shoulder joints, and lower back. VDT syndrome (Visual Display Terminal Syndrome) refers to eye fatigue and dryness, stiff neck and shoulders, and various physical abnormalities that occur throughout the nervous system due to prolonged computer work and excessive smartphone use.
It is known that the main cause of VDT syndrome is a number of work factors, such as bad posture and repetitive work when working at a computer, and maintaining a static and fixed posture for a long time without rest for a certain period of time. In addition, the structure of the office space and problems in the work space where the main work is performed, such as low-quality computers, chairs, desks, monitors, keyboards, lighting, and dry indoor air that put strain on the eyes and joints, etc. has been known to give
Due to these various characteristics, in the past, the occurrence was high in a specific occupational group with a lot of computer usage. It is reported that the number is increasing every year. Now, let’s check in more detail about the main symptoms of VDT syndrome, as well as various information on prevention and management.
VDT Syndrome Main Symptoms
The main symptoms of VDT syndrome are eye fatigue, glare, redness, and a feeling of a foreign body such as sand or foreign substances in the eye. In addition, musculoskeletal abnormalities such as muscle cramping, pain, and back pain may occur, and numbness in the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers due to abnormalities in peripheral nerves may appear. In addition, prolonged exposure to electromagnetic waves emitted from electronic devices can affect the rhythm and pattern of sleep, resulting in symptoms such as sleep disturbance, migraines and chronic headaches.
Even if these symptoms of VDT syndrome appear, if proper lifestyle and environment are not improved and continue for a long time, the risk of ocular diseases such as refractive error, myopia, and dry eye syndrome increases. Muscle and nerve-related diseases of the back may develop. In addition, when symptoms such as sleep disturbance or chronic headaches are prolonged, they can lead to problems such as depression. Therefore, if various symptoms suspected as early symptoms appear, it is recommended to implement various methods such as proper posture correction and improvement of the working environment. In addition, since symptoms can become more severe and lead to the development of related diseases, it is very important to receive appropriate early treatment through a visit to the hospital to improve and prevent symptoms.
Prevention and management of VDT syndrome
1. Posture correction
It can be said that it is very important to have a correct posture as working in a fixed and static posture for a long time is the factor that has the greatest influence on the occurrence of VDT syndrome. When working, it is important to keep the height of the heel of the arm and the height of the keyboard level and at the same time work with your hands on the work surface to minimize the pressure on the wrist. In addition, it is recommended to place the monitor at an angle of 10 to 20 degrees lower than eye level, and it is recommended to maintain a distance of 50 cm from the monitor screen.
2. Adjust usage time
Appropriate control of computer and smartphone usage time is also very important in improving symptoms of VDT syndrome and preventing the occurrence of related diseases. However, since there are many aspects that cannot be adjusted during work using a computer, it is recommended to take a minimum break between work hours. It is recommended to take a break for about 10 minutes after working for about 50 minutes. When taking a break, it is said that it will help a lot if you give various management methods such as looking far away, moving your eyes, looking at green objects, etc. In addition, wearing blue light blocking glasses to block blue light emitted from electronic devices can help prevent dry eyes and reduce fatigue. It’s called a good way.
3. Stretch
Frequent stretching of joints such as the neck, shoulder, and waist, where muscles are prone to clumping, is also a very important management habit in improving the symptoms of VDT syndrome. Light stretching or bare-handed gymnastics during breaks between work is said to be effective in preventing neck and shoulder stiffness and preventing symptoms of stiffness.
In addition, it is known that if you continue to do light-intensity exercise such as walking or taking a walk after work, it will help relieve tight muscles and relieve tension in the body.
