Back pain which is often caused by insufficient back support or improper work station height. In addition to CTDs, vision problems are becoming inherently more serious especially since the introduction of computers into the workplace on a large scale. According to a 1991 survey by the American Optometric Association, at least 10 million cases of computer-related eyestrain are reported each year. The most commonly reported symptoms of discomfort and fatigue is the glare and reflection from the monitor screen. Lighting that is not suited to working with VDTs is one of the major factors contributing to visual problems in the office.
Inappropriate lighting can undermine other well-intentioned efforts to improve worker comfort.
Old lighting systems were designed primarily for paper-based work which needs bright light. As VDTs replaced traditional office equipment, adequate attention to new lighting requirements has frequently been overlooked. The typical VDT office environment, believe it or not, usually provides too much light. Typical office environments have illumination levels of 75 to 100 footcandles. Consequently, general illumination levels are typically three times brighter than they should be for VDT work.