As the areas of usage of computers expand, collaterally, it becomes almost impossible to disregard the effects of increased computer usage on our health. Experts state that with computer users, besides the physical complaints like, the neck and back aches, muscle skeleton system problems, dermatological problems, and eye disorders, problems in personality, social and psychological disorders become apparent.

All the emissions from computer hardware; X-Rays, Ultraviolet, Infrared emissions, Electromagnetic, VLF, ULF, and ELF radiation, statically charged particles, acoustic noise, chemicals from electronic circuit components, flickering of the monitors, and reflections of light contribute to the formation of various health problems.

The most common encountered eye disorder is the dry eye syndrome, the symptoms of which are tiredness, burning, irritation, gumming, itching, pain, redness, watering. It is emphasized that dry eye syndrome can lead to problems in sleeping, reading, working and driving.

While working with computers the eye can be effected due to monitor specifications, the position of the user, whether glasses are used due to refraction problems of the eye, lighting, reflections on the monitor, chosen background and characters etc.

The tear in the eye smears on the surface thanks to blinking and thus the eye is kept damp and slippery. As a result, not only the quality of vision increases but also with the antibiotic contained in tear, the eye is enabled to acquire resistance against infections.

The blinking reflexes of a person constantly looking into the monitor weakens and the number of blinks, unconsciously, decreases considerably. Research depicts that, while using a computer, the number of blinks drops from twelve per minute to five per minute and as a result the dry eye syndrome sets off.

It is essential to comply with the measures below in order not to face such problems:

• The monitor should be a high resolution one with low electromagnetic radiation.
• The monitor should be right across with a distance of 50-70 cm to the eyes. The top edge of the monitor should be in line with the eyes or a bit lower.
• The monitor should be tilted back 15°.
• The background should be dark and the characters light and large and the image should not be dispersed.
• The color, contrast, and the brightness of the monitor should be well adjusted. The screen must not be over contrasted, glaring or too dark.
• To prevent dust accumulation on the monitor due to static electric it should be sprayed with antistatic fluid and cleaned with napless cloth.
• Grounded screen shield ought to be used.
• Ceiling illumination rather than desk illumination should be preferred.
• The monitor should not be placed facing a window.
• When fixing lighting it must be adjusted to come from behind at shoulder level on to the screen.
• Sunshine or reflections from other sources on to the screen must be minimized.
• The desk should be non-reflecting and dark colored.
• If there is astigmatism, appropriate glasses prescribed by an eye specialist must be worn.
• Regular eye checks must be performed.
• Bear in mind to blink the eyes regularly.
• A fifteen minute break should be given every hour, eyes should be directed elsewhere from the monitor looking at distant objects and they should be given a rest, lids closed.
• It is imperative to sit up straight, therefore the sitting position should always be checked.
• If there are many computers in the working area, it is good practice to work 150 cm away from the sides or the back of any computer.
• Nutrition should be cared for, especially milk and dairy products should regularly be consumed.

Ahmet Yurdakul