Time to focus on your employees' eyesight
Author:
Adrian McGennis
With an increase in computer use in the workplace, eye problems have become commonplace. Many complain about eyestrain, dryness, tired eyes and blurred vision but other than trying to get a good night sleep, few of us do anything about it.
According to the Association of Optometrists Ireland, about 88% of all people who work with computers experience a type of eyestrain known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), so it is very important that employers play their part in reducing this complaint. Employers should also be aware that Health & Safety legislation dictates that all employees have the right to an eye test, at the employer's expense, in addition to the price of a basic pair of glasses if needed solely for computer use.
The causes of eye problems among computer users are numerous and include; insufficient rest periods, incorrect positioning of the screen and/or documents, unsuitable lighting, poor work station design, problems with the screen (i.e. glare, distortion, resolution), uncorrected existing eyesight problems (i.e. astigmatism, presbyopia, or binocular balance problems), using the wrong type of glasses and fatigue.
Since 1993 EC legislation has placed responsibilities on employers whose employees regularly use computers as part of their work, no matter whether they work in an office or from home.
For computer users, employers must:
-Provide a full examination free of charge when employees start working and at regular intervals after that (every 2 years is recommended by the Association of Optometrists Ireland).
-Provide a full eye examination free of charge for employees experiencing visual problems which may be due to working with a computer.
-Pay for a pair of basic glasses (or equivalent amount towards the cost of glasses of an employees’ choice) if it is shown that an employee requires them specifically for computer use.
-Provide adequate breaks or changes of activity to reduce general visual fatigue.
-Provide health and safety training information relating to the workstation and keep you in formed of any new relevant regulations.
Top 10 Tips to Reduce Eyestrain
1 From time to time look into the distance to readjust the focus of your eyes When you stare at the computer screen, your blink rate decreases 66 %. That's why your eyes burn and feel dry.
2 If you wear contact lenses, go for the best quality not the lowest price.
3 Close your eyes for a few seconds. Looking at the computer is a constant struggle for the eyes, so close
your eyes every time you are waiting for your machine to do something.
4 Take a short break every hour. The recommendation is that you take 10 minutes away from the computer for every 50 minutes spent at it. Move around the room, stretch your back and do a few simple exercises.
5 Make page designs ‘eye friendly’. Change the text size on badly designed web pages by opening the View menu (in Internet Explorer), and then choosing Text Size. Alternatively, if the page has a dark background, drag your mouse across the text to select it - this inverts the colours, and you will see dark text on a light background, just as nature intended.
6 Whenever possible print pages for reading, don't read from the screen. It’s easier on the eyes and it’s also a fact that people read printed text 25% faster than they read text from the computer screen.
7 Adjust the light so that it's not too harsh or bright.
8 Adjust the brightness of your monitor so it doesn't shine like a cue ball.
9 Get your eyes examined every 2 years..
10 Review the ergonomics of your workstation. Poorly arranged workstations can cause problems so adjust the height of your monitor to fit your needs. Lower the monitor if you use bifocals so you use the focusing area to read.
Following these rules, in conjunction to asking your employer for regular bi-annual eye test check ups, should vastly decrease symptoms of eyestrain .