The document discusses several diseases and health issues that can be caused by excessive computer use, including computer vision syndrome, sleep disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome, deep vein thrombosis, musculoskeletal problems, repetitive stress injuries, obesity, and stress disorders. Computer vision syndrome causes eye strain and issues like blurred vision from long periods staring at screens. Sleep disorders and increased stress have been linked to late night computer and phone use. Carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injuries can result from awkward wrist positions and overuse. Prolonged sitting also increases risks of deep vein thrombosis, obesity, back pain, and other musculoskeletal problems.
2. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
• Are you somebody who is glued to desktop for 6 to 7 hours on a daily basis because
of your professional demands and often complain of mild to moderate dry or watery
eyes? You probably have computer vision syndrome. This means that you are
suffering from increasing evaporation of tears, blurred vision, double vision, dry, red
eyes, eye irritation, headaches and neck or back pain.
• Research presented by the American Optometric Association indicates that ‘more
than seventy per cent of users that work on a computer monitor (which is over 140
million) experience computer vision syndrome (CVS) or eye fatigue.’
• Even though, gradual onset of watering of the eyes is not a cause for concern; but if
faced perpetually, do try and cut the glare, rearrange your desk, give your eyes a
break or tweak your computer settings. However, it is always advisable to visit your
eye doctor regularly for an examination if your eye strain is constant
3. Sleep disorders
• Too much of artificial light from TV and computer screen might affect
melatonin production by throwing away circadian rhythms, preventing deep
and restorative sleep. According to a research conducted in the University
of Gothenburg, Sweden, intensive use of cell phones and computers can be
linked to an increase in stress, sleep disorders and depressive symptoms in
young adults. Some of the more specific findings from the research were:
• Heavy cell phone use showed an increase in sleep disorders in men and an
increase in depressive symptoms in both men and women.
• Men who use computers intensively were more likely to develop sleeping
problems.
• Regular, late night computer use, without any frequent breaks was
associated with sleep disorders, stress and depressive symptoms in both
men and women.
4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Often shrugged off as a slight cramp, a muscle pull, or a muscle spasm,
carpel tunnel syndrome is a serious nerve disorder condition, depending
upon the intensity, which occurs at the wrist leading to pain, sensory
changes and loss of function within the hand. Numbness in the fingers
(especially thumb, index and middle finger), burning, tingling sensation in
the palm, pain radiating in upward direction of the hand, tightening of joints
and fingers and poor grip while holding objects are a few lethal symptoms of
carpel tunnel syndrome.
• A few preventive measures are:
• Use minimum force while performing your gadget-linked tasks.
• Take regular breaks and stretch your wrists.
• Keep the keyboard at elbow height or slightly lower.
• Try and take adequate rest from computer at frequent intervals.
5. Deep Vein Thrombosis
• In 2003, Wired magazine ran a report on the risk of deep
vein thrombosis after a 32-year-old man who had been
at his computer for hours suffered a massive blood clot
that caused him to black out. Hence, researchers have
timE and again warned computer users to get up, move
around and avoid limiting long hours of immobility while
using computer.
• It’s time you realised how technology and gadgets
though making our lives simpler are also affecting our
health in some ways. Don’t let them take over your life
and damage your physical health in the long run.
6. Musculoskeletal problems
&
Repetitive stress injury
• Muscle soreness and muscle fatigue are the most common
complaints of regular computer users. Back pain, chest pain, pain or
numbness in arms, shoulder and feet top the list. These types of
problems mainly occur because your posture while using the
computer is not correct. Either you are sitting on an uncomfortable
chair or your workstation is not supportive of correct posture. Read
more about causes of muscle pain.
• Pain in the neck, shoulder, or anywhere from the shoulder to fingers
may indicate repetitive stress injury. When you use your muscles in
an awkward position, you may experience stiffness, pain or swelling
in that area. For example, twisting the wrist to use the mouse or
specific typing technique that causes stretching of fingers or
pressure on the wrist can turn really painful. One of the disorders
that affect the fingers and wrist is carpal tunnel syndrome.
7. Obesity
&
Stress disorders
• Studies have shown that prolonged use of computers,
especially in children, is the major contributing factor of
sedentary lifestyle and childhood obesity. Read more
about the reason why childhood obesity is on the rise.
• Technology has a huge impact on our behaviour and
emotions. Prolonged computer use along with other
factors like poor health, work pressure and job
environment can make you susceptible to stress.
Moreover, the longer you uphold the stress, the more
susceptible you become to other health issues
mentioned above. It can also lead to loss of
concentration, dizziness and weariness.