THE INFLUENCE OF MAJOR MONITOR FACTORS ON EYE IRRITATION RELATED SYMPTOMS DURING PC WORK - A LITERATURE REVIEW

摘要

The intensive use of PC has increased the concern about potential health effects. Several ergonomic factors, with regard to monitor, illumination, etc. may be important for the development of musculoskeletal and visual discomfort (occupational asthenopia). Our objective was to critically review the literature about the influence of ergonomic factors on eye irritation related symptoms (e.g. visual discomfort) and musculoskeletal discomfort with special reference to the monitor factors. The relevant peer-reviewed literature published in English between 1994 and 2004 was reviewed by database searches. In conclusion, prolonged use of PC has been shown to be a risk factor for visual and musculoskeletal discomfort. Currently, it is not clear to which extent there is an interaction between the degree of visual and musculoskeletal discomfort. Contradictory recommendations with regard to ergonomic factors exist about the prevention of visual versus musculoskeletal discomfort. Thus, a low monitor position with a downward gaze angle of 20-55°, albeit the neck not being flexed more than 30° from vertical,appears to be optimal. Multidisciplinary studies are needed before detailed recommendations can be offered.