Eye Fatigue: The Implication of the Computer
Millions of employees sit, hour after hour, in front of a computer monitor day in and day out. Not only are computers used at work, they are also used at school and at home. For many employees, the onset of visual distortion leads to headache pain and decreases work performance. For employers, this translates into significant reductions in productivity and, therefore, may impact the profit lines.
To improve the eye health of their employees, the employer has several options for promoting a more eye friendly environment in which to work. Simple ergonomics, involving positioning of armrests, keyboards and chairs are not be ignored. However, the improvement of eye fatigue, in employees, goes beyond the basic ergonomic concept.
Eye fatigue, in employees, is the result of prolonged use of a computer monitor, without interruption. In terms of computer monitor performance, to reduce eye fatigue, the monitor should be placed at a distance of 20 to 26 inches from the employees eyes, with the window background color adjusted to a pale or pastel hue. By doing so, the contrast to the text on the screen is alleviated. In addition to background color adjustments, it is recommended the employee adjust the brightness of the screen to a level at or below the level of brightness in the room. Once brightness is adjusted, if the screen continues to encourage eye fatigue, the employer should purchase an anti-glare screen to minimize further glare and brightness.
In terms of office positioning, in preventing eye fatigue, the employer should ensure the computer monitor does not face or back up to a window. The windows, instead, should sit along side the monitor. Document holders should be available to ensure the employee is not adjusting documents while trying to look at the monitor and the walls of the office should be painted a darker shade of white, with a matte finish, so as to minimize glare from outside sources.
Following these office and workstation modifications, the employer should offer additional personal training to the employees in the methods for avoiding of eye fatigue. First, and foremost, the employee should be encouraged to utilize a current eyeglass prescription so as to avoid eye strain. Encourage breaks every 30 minutes in which the employee takes a two or three minute break, blinking slowly 10 times, massaging the neck muscles and then stand and stare off in the distance so as to provide the eyes with a break from strenuous focusing. If necessary, employees should be supplied lubricating drops to ensure eye dryness is negated.
With computer monitors and eye fatigue as one of the leading causes of nearsightedness, in young adults prior to age 30, it is imperative that employers take all precautionary measures to avoid employee eye fatigue. When staffing the office with individuals who are expected to utilize a computer, hour after hour, training in proper stretching and relaxation methods, in addition to supplying an anti-glare work environment, will ensure the employees suffer from less eye fatigue and slower deterioration of visual acuity.
