🚀 go-pugleaf

caf@omen.UUCP (Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX) writes:

>In article <gcody.715442229@charm.gandalf.ca> gcody@gandalf.ca (Gord Cody) writes:
>>We don't debate this. We are sure of it. Many people I know that had 20-20
>>vision or better into their mid 20s, needing glasses after working with
>>computers all day for a 3-6 years. Those that had previously worn glasses
>>found themselves needing still stronger pairs (me included) after years
>>of almost no change.

>My mother has never worked with a computer but her eyesight is
>much worse than mine.

>Are there any controlled studies measuring this alleged change
>in eyesight?  Any controlled studies demonstrating the efficacy
>of techniques to improve the situation?

I have said it before and I'll say it again.

The only academically rigorous studies of this (and I admit I have only
read reports on them and not the originals) have so far failed to produce any
link.

The most likely scenario currently accepted is the TV theory of the
fifties, brought up to date for VDT's.  That is, the VDT's do not _cause_
the problem, but the demands of using them highlight any existing
problems.  Additionally, the use of VDT's require efficient middle
distance vision, and most prescription glasses are designed for near
(reading) or long (general) distances.  Hence the effectiveness of
el-cheapo magnifying glasses.

Best practice OH&S in Australia screens and addresses these problems
and the minimal costs of two-yearly eyechecks for all staff using VDT's
and meeting unmet costs after health insurance for middle distance
glasses well outweighs the disruption and needless concern this issue
causes.  Some major employers have this built into their IS plan,
others into OH&S or industrial agreements or awards.

(Having said that, a paper is probably hitting the presses right now
to debunk what I have just said! :-))

Further, I am not aware of any successful workers' compensation cases
on this in my jurisdiction (Australian Federal).

Cheers
John
(aka Operations Manager, Comcare Australia, Commission for the Safety
Rehabilitation and Compensation of Commonwealth Employees;
#include <std.dis> )

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