Do video display units cause visual problems? - a bedside story about the processes of public health decision-making.

Abstract

PURPOSE: Since the 1980s, it has been common for employers to provide eyesight testing for operators of screen-based equipment (SBE). This practice arose because many SBE operators reported symptoms of visual discomfort at work and there was apprehension that radiation emitted by SBE might be harmful to vision. Visual screening of SBE operators has been encouraged by government guidelines and in some countries, is required by legislation. This paper questions whether this practice should continue. METHOD AND RESULTS: A review of the literature shows: 1. SBE does not emit radiation in sufficient quantity to be harmful and there is no credible epidemiological evidence that work with SBE will d..