Can working with a video display terminal all day cause eye problems?
There is no conclusive evidence that video display terminal (VDT) work causes vision problems but it can aggravate existing ones, even minor ones that do not affect other seeing tasks, such as reading or driving. This is why the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that all VDT operators have periodic eye examinations. Tell your optometrist you are a VDT operator, describe your VDT work tasks and mention any eye strain symptoms you are experiencing. Also, measure the working distance between your eyes and your VDT screen. All of this is important in determining your on-the-job vision needs. There are special aids for VDT operators, such as polarizing lenses to combat glare and wide-band trifocals to give those who need an intermediate distance lens prescription a full view of the screen. Your optometrist can also advise about environmental factors and rest breaks for VDT workers.
