Visual problems, such as eyestrain and irritation, are among the most frequently
reported complaints by computer operators. These visual symptoms can result from improper
lighting, glare from the screen, poor positioning of the screen itself, or copy material
that is difficult to read. These problems usually can be corrected by adjusting the
physical and environmental setting where the computer users work. For example, work
stations and lighting can and should be arranged to avoid direct and reflected glare
anywhere in the field of sight, from the display screen, or surrounding surfaces.
You also can reduce eyestrain by taking vision breaks, which may include exercises to
relax eye muscles after each hour or so of operating a computer. Changing focus is another
way to give eye muscles a chance to relax. You only need to glance across the room, or out
the window, from time to time and look at an object at least 20 feet away. Other eye
exercises may include rolling or blinking the eyes, or closing them tightly for a few
seconds.
Inadequate vision can strain your posture as well as eyes -- have your eyes checked
annually, you may need special glasses
This section of the TIFAQ provides links to information and resources regarding vision
and eye strain issues while working at Video Display Terminals (VDTs).
Articles
Improving Visual
Comfort at a Computer Workstation by Dr. Jeffrey R. Anshel, BS, OD
Visual discomfort occurs at a computer workstation when the visual demands of your task
exceed your visual abilities. The problem can be resolved by treating your visual
condition, if any, or by making your visual task less demanding.
Vision
Health Management: Visual Ergonomics in the Workplace, Dr. Jeffrey R.
Anshel, BS, OD
Vision is our most precious sense. Our eyes are in constant use every
waking minute of every day. The way we use our eyes can determine how well
we work throughout our lifetime. Over 80% of our learning is mediated
through our eyes, indicating the important role our vision plays in our
daily activities. Vision disturbance is a silent enemy that only appears
after a long period of continued stress.
Kids
and Computers: Eyes and Visual Systems, Dr. Jeffrey R. Anshel, BS, OD
Today, millions of children are using computers every day, at school and
at home, for education and recreation. Visual demands in school require
the integration of a number of different vision skills: visual acuity
(sharpness of vision); visual fixation (eye aiming); accommodation
(focusing); binocular fusion (forming a single image); convergence
(turning of the eyes); field of vision (side vision); and form perception
(recognizing shapes). These systems can be stressed and overworked if not
used efficiently. Computer viewing is complicating how children use their
eyes in school because these visual skills are not yet fully developed in
children—making any near-point activities that much more difficult.
Vision, Reading and Computer Users
An Interview with Distinguished Optometrist, Dr. Gary J. Williams
http://webword.com/interviews/williams.html
Websites
The Relationship of Computer Vision Syndrome to Musculoskeletal Disorders
American Optometric Association
http://www.aoanet.org/ia-musculo.html
Eyestrain Basics
http://www.ur-net.com/office-ergo/12things1.htm
http://www.office-ergo.com/12things1.htm
IBM's Healthy Computing - Vision
http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/healthycomputing/ergoviso.html
Computers and Eyestrain by E. Lawrence Bickford, O.D.
http://www.west.net/~eyecare/computers_and_eyestrain.html
Causes, symptoms and treatments for computer-related eye strain.
Reducing Eyestrain from Video and Computer Monitors by Charles A. Poynton
http://www.inforamp.net/~poynton/notes/reducing_eyestrain/
Preventative Measures Ease Computer Eye Strain and Other Health Problems
http://www.aoanet.org/nr-preventive.html
Computers and Eye Strain
American Academy of Ophthalmology - eyeNET
http://www.eyenet.org/public/faqs/computers_faq.html
Computer Vision Syndrome
http://www.cvconsulting.com/articles.htm
Articles by Dr. Jeffrey Anshel
PC Magazine Online: Your Eyes Come First
http://www8.zdnet.com/pcmag/issues/1418/pcm00049.htm
Jim Seymour's article about eyestrain and the PRIO eye test.
Computerized Home Vision Therapy Systems
http://www.homevisiontherapy.com/
Treatment for eye strain, computer vision syndrome, and children's learning problems
Eye2Eye: The Computer Eyestrain Journal
http://www.eye2eye.com/
Eye2Eye's mission is to help control vision difficulties associated with prolonged
exposure to computer screens. Collectively, these symptoms have been termed Computer
Vision Syndrome (CVS) by the American Optometric Association.
Return to RSI/Ergo
Information FAQ
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