Is Your Computer Making You Sick?

I posted here previously about having back pains which i think i got from being glued in the computer for five hours straight and more. I was not sure about the idea until i read this information from a magazine which made me think that i could have been suffering the early stage of this syndrome based on the symptoms indicated. Though not all of it but i guess i would if i didn't change my habits. You might as well read...

If you've got your eyes fixed on your computer since morning, and you haven't noticed that it's almost time for lunch, you need to improve your working habits. Chances are, you already have some - or all - of the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome or CVS, a condition resulting from focusing the eyes on a computer display for a long, uninterrupted period of time. It's a problem that most working women encounter, since our generation is used to working with computers all the time.

CVS is a syndrome that affects not just the eyes, but also other parts of the body. In fact, along with eye strain or pain, there is also a prevalence of neck stiffness or pain, low back stiffness or pain, and hand or arm pain. Young or old, male or female can be affected with CVS.

Here's how to treat it and what you can do to prevent it from worsening.

1) Set your display in such a way that it's not too dim nor too bright. When typing or reading, font size should be appropriate to your vision.

2) Position your monitor at least 18 to 25 inches away from you, and at a 15-degree angle downwards from viewing sight.

3) Lights should be placed above your work station, but not directly above your computer monitor or your back. Walls should also be painted in matte hues to prevent glare from hurting your eyes.

4) For every hour of viewing, rest your eyes for 20 seconds.