Working with computers and other Display Screen Equipment

Eyestrain and fatigue can be the result of:

Eve vision defects may be uncorrected farsightedness, or hyperopia; nearsightedness, or myopia; or astigmatism, a defect of the cornea resulting in blurred vision or, very importantly, presbyopia. Presbyopia happens from the age of 40 to 45 where people lose the ability to readily focus back on objects that are close up. Clearly this has an impact on computer work where the eye is focussing closely upon a screen and shifting focus. Spectacles with single vision, bifocal or varifocal lenses can correct this. Contact lenses are also suitable, but presbyopic contact lens wearers may need reading glasses on top.

Ideally the computer screen should have a non-reflective surface and be high resolution. Reflections should be at a minimum. Turn the brightness down for comfort and adjust contrast for comfort. Avoid screen flicker. The screen should be somewhere from 12 inches to 36 inches with enough visual space behind screen to adjust the eye focus fairly regularly.

As for around the screen:

An employer is responsible for the workstation area to assess and minimise any risks to the user in accordance with Regulations and Guidance issued (for all to see) by the Health and Safety Executive. If the employee is classed as a Display Screen Equipment user then there must be

Rapid vision screening is useful but is no substitute for the entitled full eye examination which takes about 30 minutes and where this information is most useful:

Visual problems should be controlled by good design of the working environment and by regular optometric care. Wearing spectacles, doing eye exercises or changes to working arrangements may be recommended. Regarding spectacles, Reflection Free Lenses may help and offer

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Smith and Walker Optometrists