Computer Users

Tuesday 2nd July 2024

A DO's desk

Some useful definitions that will help while you are reading this article.

• VDU -Visual Display Unit which includes computers, laptops, tablets and mobile phones
• DSE - Display Screen equipment
• HSE - Health and Safety executive

Why this topic

A person who uses a Display Screen device for prolonged periods of time, may experience varying symptoms of Eye Strain and is often referred to as Digital Eye Strain or Eye Fatigue. This is caused by excessive focusing on very Near Working Distances for long periods of time. This topic has particularly taken much more importance since the C-19 pandemic when we have witnessed remote working enabled by Computers and the Digital environment around us.

As the user is so focused on their work and highly concentrated and often stressed, their blinking is reduced, and this may result in eye muscle stress often referred to as Eye Fatigue or Dry Eyes because of poor blinking. This is a digital age problem and is often referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome in the rest of the world.

Symptoms of Muscle stress

• Eye fatigue
• Headaches
• Tired eyes

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

• Blurred vision in extreme cases usually after a blink
• Watery eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Sensitive to bright lights
• Red and sore eyes
• Tired eyes

Why DSE may cause the above issues

• The glare from the VDU display screen
• Poor lighting - too bright or too dim
• Posture is not right, and an assessment not done
• Underlying visual problems not diagnosed yet can be amplified due to the demanding environment.

What the law states

If a person who is working on a DSE requests for an eye test to their employer, then the employer will have to provide one or make arrangements for one. The employer also should provide the employee with a pair of glasses that work for VDU purposes, only if it has been prescribed. They do not have to provide glasses for other purposes unless their job demands them to do so, for example Safety glasses.

Some employers make arrangements for this with a company or reimburse the cost of a standard pair of glasses that will fit this purpose as the very basic.

Reducing the duration of continuous computer work can reduce the symptoms according to the Review of Ophthalmology April 2005 article.

Management

Simple adjustment

20-20-20 to 30-30-30 rule - there are lots of research that suggests that reduced blink rate causes dry eyes. This is a rule that is heard in a lot of seminars and magazines, that every 20 or 30 minutes, take 20 to 30 second break and look at something 20 or 30 metres away.

Artificial tears

If excessive VDU is what is causing the issue, then you have several forms of Artificial Tears available Over the Counter. In clinical settings, they have Punctal Plugs for managing this issue.

You can also make adjustments to the way your eye is looking at the computer screen. Remember the more your eyeball is opened when looking at the screen, more chance of dryness. For example, if your monitor is higher up and tilted forward, then the position of your eye is in an angle which makes it open wider and may result in tear level decreases.

Refraction correction

If you spend excessive amounts of time in front of a computer, then it is a good idea to have your eyes tested by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist. The person who works in front of a VDU for prolonged periods will have a higher visual demand.
This means it is best to spot any under-correction and wear prescriptive lenses even if it is a small prescription.
Nowadays, there are also lenses that help with Eye-Fatigue where the lenses have a small boost prescription to help with intense and pro-longed close work.
If you are a Presbyope, then it is important to wear the right pair of glasses. This could be based on your Working Distance and the design could be a Single Vision lens, or a Bifocal with intermediate and reading, an Occupational lens that works up to 2 meters. Standard varifocals is great, but due to the wider fields in the above designs, varifocals tend to take a back space for this function.
In short, an Eye Fatigue lens or a boost lens. If you are a Pre-Presbyope and an Occupational lens if you are over 40 or 45 years where you need a bit more help with your accommodation. Your Optometrist will help you decide.

Ergonomics or assessing your workstation

A professional workstation analysis must be carried out. However, here we have picked some points that have been listed in the Review of Ophthalmology, ocular problems associated with computer use.

• At least 75 to 1m away from the eye.
• The top of monitor should not be tilting forward.
• 10 to 20 degrees angle below the horizontal plane of the eye.
• Your seating, arm and neck posture play a vital role in contributing to Eye fatigue. We recommend a workplace assessment professional will give you all such recommendations.
• Anti-glare filters over the VDU screens

To close, it is important to note that our main objective is to make you aware of some of the basic areas so that you can make an informed decision about your glasses and visual needs. It is important to note that this blog is written out of Practical experience and cannot be taken as a medical advice in any capacity.