Causes Computer Vision Syndrome example essay topic

ABSTRACT Living in the 21st century requires a level of technological expertise. The use of computers is constantly increasing in almost all the areas. Computers are changing the way we interact with our environment and each other. Computer technology is becoming a significant part of all workplace environments.

To survive as professional in today's business environment, individuals have to adapt themselves to changing computer technology. This unnatural adaptation to technology creates stress. Computers are everywhere today, and so are complaints from computer users about stress, headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision and some other symptoms of eyestrain. CVS affects computer users productivity and leave them tired and miserable at the end of the day.

This paper will provide the readers with an overview of computer technology and related health problems namely technostress and computer vision syndrome (CVS), their causes, and ways to reduce stress and vision problems. INTRODUCTION Over the last few years, more and more people are using some kind of machinery for accomplishing their tasks. The use of computers is constantly increasing in almost every field. Computers have equaled the telephone. Computers are becoming the most indispensable piece of office equipment. In order to be successful in today,'s marketplace, individuals need to keep up with the changing technology.

To achieve satisfying results and rewarding careers employees must learn to cope up with the stress created by the ever-changing technology. Technostress Technostress is a psychological pressure on humans caused by technology (Pribbenow, 1999). It affects everyone to some extent due to the presence and use of electronic devices in our daily lives: televisions, ATMs, cellular phones, computers, microwaves, VCRs. Secretaries, office personnel, librarians, professionals, executives, bankers, store clerks, home computer users, students and many others are affected by the ill effects of technology. The computer technology designed to make our life easier is often considered a major contributor to stress. High expectations at work, home, and school can drain our energy and create high level of stress.

Technostress has nothing to do with the levels of expertise or the technological savvy. Symptoms of stress can be as insignificant as losing your train of thought in a conversation, or as obvious as insomnia, or lost productivity at work (Pribbenow, 1999). Online addiction is another problem associated with technostress with people spending more time online. What Causes Technostress? Here are some of the common causes of technostress, which will provide a good overview of the kind of technological stress most people experience. Inadequate and insufficient training on the new technology.

Incorrect software and hardware configuration. The pressure of staying current on new and ever-changing technology. Outdated computer software and hardware. Lack of computer professional or staff in an office. The pace of changing environment.

Poor ergonomics: Improper placement of furniture and equipment, poor lighting. Long hours spent on the task. No breaks during work. Failing to anticipate problems: Theft, damage, viruses, and hard-disk failure. Dealing with Technostress: Computer users may not be able to prevent the technological changes, but there are ways to reduce the stress. Coping strategies can be beneficial to reduce, overcome, or tolerate the demands placed on the individuals.

In order to keep up with the changing technology, individuals can adapt to proper planning and management, better and frequent communication, and advanced training. If an individual feels that he is unable to change the way he perceives and manages his interaction with his immediate environment, several stress management techniques can be helpful in reducing stress. Some of the ways to reduce stress are listed below: Getting educated on new developments. Interacting with other people seeking guidance. Taking frequent breaks away from the computer screen during the day. Take time off for personal work and avoid being online.

Exercising regularly for maintaining health as well as reducing stress. Prioritizing work and having a time frame to complete various tasks. Maintaining realistic expectations. Considering that computer is a tool or an electronic device and it is okay for it to fail or breakdown. Never forget to do things the ^a EUR~old-fashioned, way. That is simply to state that we all should know how to operate without technology in case we are challenged.

Computer Vision Syndrome Computers are everywhere today, and so are complaints from computer users about stress, headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision and some other symptoms of eyestrain. Although there is no evidence that using computer causes vision problems, it can cause Computer Vision Syndrome. According to American Optometric Association, "Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is the complex of eye and vision problem related to near work which are experienced during or related to computer use" (1995). CVS is characterized by visual symptoms that result from interaction with a computer display or its environment. What Causes Computer Vision Syndrome?

Many individuals who work at a computer video display terminal report a high level of job-related complaints and symptoms including ocular discomfort, muscular strain, and stress. Various surveys show that eye and vision problems are commonly reported among the computer users. According to the AOA, nearly 90% of people using computers for more than three hours a day suffer from eye trouble, causing 12 million of them to seek treatment (Chambers, 1999). In most cases, symptoms occur because the visual demands of the task exceed the visual abilities of the individual to comfortably perform the task. The movement of each eye is controlled by six extra ocular muscles that are responsible for proper alignment of the eyes when viewing objects such as computer screen. Repetitious muscular activity involves frequent eye movements, eye focusing, and eye alignment that causes strain in the eye and leads to Computer Vision Syndrome (Relationship of computer vision syndrome to musculoskeletal disorders, 2002).

Tired or achy eyes, itching or burning in the eyes, dry and irritated eyes, headaches, blurred vision, slowed refocusing, double vision, sensitivity to light, neck ache, backache (due to adjusting posture to focus properly), and sensitivity to light are some of the common symptoms of computer vision syndrome (Anshel, 1997). Dealing with Computer Vision Syndrome Computer users can do many things to create environment that is healthy and helpful to the eyes. The AOA offers the following suggestions to reduce the computer vision syndrome: A thorough eye exam every year for all computer users and getting the correct prescription glasses. Taking alternative task breaks throughout the day. Reducing room lighting and increasing desk lighting if required.

Minimize glare on your computer screen with a glare reduction filter, repositioning the screen, or by using drapes, blinds, or shade. Placing reference material at the same distance from the eye as your computer screen and as close to the screen as possible to avoid refocusing and eye, head, and neck movements. Adjusting the work surface height of about 26 inches for computer use. The computer screen placed 16 to 30 inches from your eyes and the top of the screen should be slightly below and tilted at a 10 to 20 degree eye level.

Clean your computer screen frequently. Following these steps can enhance a person,'s comfort and productivity when using a computer. CONCLUSION New technology tends to favor some groups of people and harm other groups. Computer technology has become a significant part of all workplace environments. To achieve satisfying and rewarding careers, employees must learn to cope with the stress created by the high-tech environment, and management must provide the employees the resources with which they can reduce stress and achieve higher productivity. As technology moves into the schools and homes, more people will be using computers in their leisure time, therefore; more awareness and strict measures need to be taken in this area in order to reduce the health consequences.

Bibliography

American Optometric Association. (2002).
The relationship of computer vision syndrome to musculoskeletal disorders. Retrieved March 03, 2002 from the World Wide Web: web Anshel, Jeffrey.
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Computer Vision Syndrome: Causes and Cures. (Managing office technology). No. vs. 42 n 7, pp 17-19. Chambers, A. (October, 1999).
Computer Vision Syndrome: Relief is in sight. No. 10 (61), pp 179-184. Retrieved March 04, 2002 from an electronic database at Walsh College from the World Wide Web: web T = 309&computervisionsyndrome.
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Computer Use And Vision. pp 31-34. New York: ACM Press. Pribbenow, Kathy. (1999).
Maintaining Balance: Mile-High Expectations vs. Technostress. pp 180-184. Thomas, Susan (January, 1998).
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