Visual load of working with visual display terminals--introduction of VDT to newspaper editing and visual effect

In the Japanese newspaper industry, since the late 1970s, computerization has been started in large scale. The system, called Computerized Typesetting System (CTS), has been introduced. With this system, all information in the newspaper is input into a computer, called up on a cathode ray display (CRT) to edit, and then output to film or printing plates by CTS. Thus, the work of newspaper production has undergone a major transformation from industrial work to clerical work. It was reported that newspaper production staff working with VDTs complained more than staff working with the older key system about visual and physical problems which affected their job and their daily life. The complaint rates were highest for editors, who used VDT constantly throughout the day. This study was performed to clarify the health impact of VDT use and to prevent health disorders caused by the introduction of CTS. It is concluded that 5 m corrected vision and sphere refraction of CTS workers who used CTS over 2 or 4 hr daily, significantly became worse in a year after the introduction. Therefore, it is indicated that the control of CTS work time is important to prevent the visual disorder.