Need information on the effects of flickering light sources , in
particular, Fluorescent lamps  and CRT monitors on eye fatigue and
concentration.

I am working in an office and have a bank of fluorescent lights over
head. From my own observations it seems that i get very noticable eye
fatigue from these lights and my CRT monitor.

Wanted to know what can i do to fix this?

Are there better kinds of fluoresent lamps and monitors i can use?

Is eye fatigue due to Fluorecesent lighting and CRT monitors a known
Work place health issue?  If so what information is there?

Any info from world sources would be great but would also like
information relevant to Australian conditions so i can show my manager
@ work.

Is the information i get limited to Google search engine results?

You're actually talking about Computer Vision Syndrome. This is caused
by a number of things such as poor lighting, flickering lights, and
sitting too close to the monitor. Here's some steps to take to help
solve the problem: [taken from:
http://www.eyecareindia.com/subcontents.asp?sectionid=5&subcontentid=19]

    *  Make sure the computer screen is atleast 18 to 26 inches away
from your eyes.
    * Arrange the monitor so that the top line of on-screen text is at
eye level. Placing a monitor too high strains the eyes, causing them
to dry out.
    * Arrange lighting to minimize glare and reflections.
    * Keep the computer screen clean and dust-free to minimize glare.
    * Take frequent vision breaks to stretch your body and rest your eyes.
    * Remember to blink often to keep your eyes moist.
    * Place reference material alongside and as close to the computer
screen as possible to avoid frequent head and eye movements and
focussing changes.
    * Get yours eyes examined every six to eight months by your eyecare specialist.


There's not really a special monitor to solve this as all monitors
provide light and flicker. The best to do is to take breaks every five
minutes or so to give your eyes a break.

Fluorescent lamps actually flicker 120 times per second. This is a
huge strain on the eye. A best bet is to try and avoid looking at it
or through the corner of your eye to reduce the strain.

There are no special kind of fluorescent lamps or monitors to use, but
like I showed above, there is steps to take to avoid the eye fatigue.

LCD monitors do not flicker.

Fluorescent lamps with 'high frequency' control gear also do not
flicker, and are now routinely installed on new work. If the office is
more than a few years old, it might be worthwhile replacing the
fluorescent lamps (new fittings would be required, not just new
tubes).

Owain

Hiya Bigswede.

Here's a possible solution for your problem.  I'm a computer tech, and
have been for about 10 years.  In some offices, in some buildings,
some monitors have a flicker when there's fluorescent lighting.  (And
there's always fluorescent lighting in offices).  I simply change the
refresh rate in the monitor/adapter setting on the computer to put the
monitor's picture "out of phase" with the lights.  I honestly don't
know if this is a realistic fix or not, but I've had many people
complain of flickering monitors that are hard on the eyes, and this
does the trick.  For example, go into the Control Panel on your PC,
then Display, then Advanced, then Monitor, and fish all around there
for refresh rate.  Try one hop in either direction.  (Like if it's 60
hertz currently, try 74 hertz)

There are also filters that go over the front of the monitor that are
a HUGE help, but a little pricey:  Try a "Fellowes Glare Filter" from
Amazon.com or Buy.com.  (Roughly $40.00)

Also, the newest flat panel LCD monitors don't have the flicker.

Good luck... hope this helps a bit.