by Dennis R. Ankrum (ankrum@aol.com) In the years since the introduction of the personal computer and the realization that it was the cause of workplace health problems, many guidelines have been published concerning the best viewing angles and distances. With few exceptions these guidelines recommend distances and angles that are contrary to the known qualities of the visual system. The distances allowed are too close and the angles too high. The proven relationship between viewing angle and viewing distance is mostly ignored. Computer work takes place at near distances. When we view a monitor or any other close object, two things happen to our eyes. They accommodate and they converge. Both these reflexes contribute to the eye strain. 1 When we look at close objects the ciliary muscle changes the shape of the lens. The lens bends the light rays so they strike the retina...