While Eye Strain is not an official medical term or diagnosis, it can lead to lower productivity, lessened accuracy, physical discomfort and even safety problems. These are measurable issues which OSHA addresses under its Ergonomics Guidelines and may even cite under its General Duty Clause. OSHA has developed an eTool to help employers prevent and reduce the possibility of physical symptoms such as:
- Tired, itchy, burning or sore eyes
- Overly dry or watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Eye muscle spasms
- Ocular Migraines or pain from bright lights
- Back and shoulder pain
- Difficulty keeping eyes open
Some of these symptoms can greatly impact work productively and quality of life. Many of these symptoms can lead to workplace safety issues brought on by poor concentration, reading accuracy, muscle aches and alertness.
Eye Strain is generally caused by long periods of focusing intensely on one task without interruption, by performing close work for extended periods of time, working in dim light, or any situation that forces the eyes to work harder. Computer Vision Syndrome of Digital Eye Strain is well known to be caused by working long sessions in front of electronic (back lit) screens.
OSHA recognizes certain occupations for having the highest probability of causing Eye Strain:
- Air Traffic Controller
- IT/Software Developer
- Finance/Accounting
- Graphic Design/Digital Arts
- Academic Work/Research including laboratory
- Small parts assembly, production or repair
- Writing/editing
- Engineering/drafting
- Welding or other occupations exposed to very bright lights
- Commercial Driving, particularly long distance
- Robotics or work involving 3D Viewing
Many of today’s occupations involve long hours in front of computer screens, increasing the rates of work-related Eye Strain physical conditions. Luckily, they are avoidable. Both OSHA and the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend the following tips for setting up a workspace:
- Position computer screens 20 to 26 inches from your face, with the center of the screen slightly below eye level.
- Face computer screens away from glare coming through windows or from overhead lighting.
- Use a matte screen filter to reduce glare created by a shiny screen.
- Adjust screen brightness and room lighting to about the same level.
- Increase on-screen contrast.
- Consider prescription computer glasses designed for focusing about 25 inches away.
- Sit in a comfortable chair that promotes good posture with feet flat on the floor and arms supported.
For many occupations, OSHA recommends these tips for reducing eye strain
Take regular breaks
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule for close-up tasks: every 20 minutes look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Take a break after two hours or 100 miles of continuous driving — or as needed.
Keep eye surfaces moist
- Remember to blink (we blink less often when reading print or viewing digital screens).
- Use artificial teardrops when driving or viewing digital screens for an extended period.
- Wear eyeglasses rather than contact lenses when working on a computer or use comfort drops.
- Remove the flow from air vents away from your eyes, particularly when driving.
- Use a humidifier in the winter or dry climates
Get a clear view
- Keep digital screen surfaces and eyeglasses clean.
- Reduce daytime glare with polarized sunglasses, particularly when driving.
Novisal can perform Eye Strain and Ergonomic Evaluations to help improve your staff’s health, well-being and productivity. Reach out to schedule now.