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With the increased use of computers and Internet, many people are spending extended periods of time using computers at home and at work. This has led to an increase in computer related health problems called VDT Syndrome, or visual display terminal, meaning computer screens.

There are 5 stages in this disease. The initial symptom of VDT syndrome includes muscle pain and stiffness (neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist), lower back pain, and tingling of the fingers caused by carpal tunnel syndrome or pressure on the nerves in the wrists.

Secondly, eye symptoms can occur, such as dryness, redness, photophobia, and refractive problems. Thirdly, psychiatric problems such as Internet and online game addiction, depression, sleep disturbances, and headache can occur.

The fourth stage includes gastrointestinal problems due to fast food consumption.

Lastly, although still a controversy, skin disease and miscarriage caused by extended exposure to electromagnetic radiation can occur.

What cause VDT syndrome?

Poor workspace design, dry environment, bad posture, and lack of rest cause VDT syndrome. For example, larger screens are more convenient for reading but they can lead to early fatigue and dryness of the eyes. This is because users tend to tilt their faces upward, increasing the surface area of the eyes exposed to the air, leading to dryness. Another example, laptops decrease the work of the eyes, but users usually tend to bend their necks, causing neck and shoulder pain. Smaller keyboard leads to tingling sensation in the fingers.

How to prevent it?

To prevent VDT syndrome, a distance of at least 30 cm between the eyes and the screen is necessary to decrease the angle of the neck, therefore, decrease neck and shoulder pain, and prevent tiring eyes.

Working continuously in the same posture for a long time can cause fatigue and muscle pain. An at least 10 minutes rest after working for an hour, and stretching, are effective to relax the muscles and rest the eyes . It's important to always use prescribed glasses for users with myopia or hyperopia.

Reducing stress and trying to enjoy work are also important.

If you are feeling the symptoms mentioned above, you should see your doctor right away, so the right diagnosis and treatment can be done right away as well.

Acupuncture is belived as an effective treatment for VDT syndrome. When done regularly, it can help relaxation of the muscles, reduce pain and stiffness, and increase blood flow especially in the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist and fingers, where pressure occurs continuously. Acupuncture also relaxes eye muscles and optimizes tear gland secretion, and will lead to more fresh eyes.

Besides this therapy, modifying work environment and doing the right exercises also need to be done.