Information Systems Wing has learnt that a number of formations have been purchasing screen filters for their Visual Display Units (VDU) and some officers were even wearing sunglasses, ostensibly to protect their eyes from radiation! OffBeat asked Jolly Wong, the Senior Telecommunications Engineer (Systems Engineering and Research) of Communications Branch, about this and related topics.

Jolly explained that a VDU was a display screen, usually forming part of a computer and showing text, numbers or graphics. Are users of VDUs at any risk? Jolly said: "VDUs have been blamed, often wrongly, for a wide range of health problems. In fact, only a small proportion of VDU users actually suffer ill health as a result of their work.

Where problems do occur, they are generally caused by the way VDUs are being used, rather than the units themselves. So problems can be avoided by good workplace and job design, and by the way you use your VDU and workstation."

Reacting to concerns VDUs might emanate harmful radiation, Jolly added: "The simple answer is that no, they don't! VDUs give out both visible light, which enables us to see the screen, and other forms of electromagnetic radiation that can be harmful above certain levels.

"However, the levels of radiation emitted from VDUs are well below international recommended safety levels. So you do not need any special devices such as spectacles, screens or aprons when using it."

On the question of eyesight problems, Jolly explained: "Extensive research has found no evidence that VDUs can cause permanent damage or disease to eyes. But it is true that long spells of VDU work can lead to tired eyes and discomfort.

"Also, by giving your eyes more demanding tasks, it might make you aware of an eyesight problem you had not noticed before. You can help your eyes by ensuring your VDU is well positioned and properly adjusted, and that the office lighting is suitable."

He said users could help themselves by: