Eyestrain at Work? Don't Let Eyestrain Get The Better of Your Working Life

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Eyestrain at Work? Don't Let Eyestrain Get The Better of Your Working Life

Posted On : Dec-08-2011 | seen (970) times | Article Word Count : 507 |

Everybody who constantly uses a computer at work must have Display Screen Equipment training - its the law! Computer users are susceptible to a selection of different health problems - some related to poor posture, some to looking at the screen for extended periods and some are stress-related problems brought on by the working environment - for example the difficulty of concentrating when its too noisy, too hot or too cold or the stress associated with using poorly designed software.

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 stipulates that employees must have adequate health and safety training in the use of any workstation upon which he may be required to work. It is also very clear about employers responsibilities regarding the provision of eye tests and corrective measures. But does using computer damage eyesight? Much research has been done into this question, but no evidence has been found to prove that it does.

That being said, the prolonged use of a computer screen, or working in an inadequate environment, or with poor equipment may increase awareness of an eye problem that already exists. Dry eyes and eyestrain leading to headaches are relatively common problems for habitual computer users. If the lighting in a workplace is too dim, too bright, or poorly positioned so that glare or reflection make it difficult to see properly, your eyes will work to try to compensate.

This may cause eyestrain and headaches. Lighting should be appropriate for all tasks - for example reading the screen, typing, writing on paper and reading printed text. There should never be any bright, unshielded light directly in the eyes. An ideal position for the screen is at a right angle to the light. Added to this, the quality of the display and the software can easily increase eyestrain, which may lead to headaches and migraine.

Screens need to be clean and set up to be clear and easy to read, free from flicker and sharply focused, with screen brightness and contrast suitably adjusted - the characters on the screen should be clearly formed and of sufficient size and spacing, with text and background colours working well together. Computer use can also put a strain on eyes as a result of staring for prolonged periods at the same point - the screen. In this case your eye muscles struggle to maintain position; any muscle held in one position for a long time will start to strain.

Eye exercises such as re-focussing on the most distance object for 20 seconds every 20 minutes will help. Blinking is important, it lubricates the eyes and staring at a fixed point - the screen - reduces blink rate, making eyes feel dry and gritty. To make matters worse a typical office tends to be a relatively dry environment, due to air conditioning and the heat generated by electrical equipment. Employers have a basic responsibility to ensure eyes are cared for, so any concerns about eyesight should be addressed to them immediately.

It's true that computers are blamed for all sorts of illness and health problems but It's usually the way they are being used that causes problems. It's really important that every person who uses a computer on a regular basis has good DSE training and does a DSE Assessment on their own workstation, looking at how they use it - a properly carried out assessment can highlight potential problems and help to avoid creating or building up health problems for the future.

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<h1>Eyestrain at Work? Don't Let Eyestrain Get The Better of Your Working Life</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Liam Barnes.aspx'>Liam Barnes</a> The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 stipulates that employees must have adequate health and safety training in the use of any workstation upon which he may be required to work. It is also very clear about employers responsibilities regarding the provision of eye tests and corrective measures. But does using computer damage eyesight? Much research has been done into this question, but no evidence has been found to prove that it does.
 
That being said, the prolonged use of a computer screen, or working in an inadequate environment, or with poor equipment may increase awareness of an eye problem that already exists. Dry eyes and eyestrain leading to headaches are relatively common problems for habitual computer users. If the lighting in a workplace is too dim, too bright, or poorly positioned so that glare or reflection make it difficult to see properly, your eyes will work to try to compensate.

This may cause eyestrain and headaches. Lighting should be appropriate for all tasks - for example reading the screen, typing, writing on paper and reading printed text. There should never be any bright, unshielded light directly in the eyes. An ideal position for the screen is at a right angle to the light. Added to this, the quality of the display and the software can easily increase eyestrain, which may lead to headaches and migraine.

Screens need to be clean and set up to be clear and easy to read, free from flicker and sharply focused, with screen brightness and contrast suitably adjusted - the characters on the screen should be clearly formed and of sufficient size and spacing, with text and background colours working well together. Computer use can also put a strain on eyes as a result of staring for prolonged periods at the same point - the screen. In this case your eye muscles struggle to maintain position; any muscle held in one position for a long time will start to strain.

Eye exercises such as re-focussing on the most distance object for 20 seconds every 20 minutes will help. Blinking is important, it lubricates the eyes and staring at a fixed point - the screen - reduces blink rate, making eyes feel dry and gritty. To make matters worse a typical office tends to be a relatively dry environment, due to air conditioning and the heat generated by electrical equipment. Employers have a basic responsibility to ensure eyes are cared for, so any concerns about eyesight should be addressed to them immediately.

It's true that computers are blamed for all sorts of illness and health problems but It's usually the way they are being used that causes problems. It's really important that every person who uses a computer on a regular basis has good DSE training and does a DSE Assessment on their own workstation, looking at how they use it - a properly carried out assessment can highlight potential problems and help to avoid creating or building up health problems for the future.About the Author: This article was written by Sarah Cushenan who works at The Interactive Health and Safety Company (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ihasco.co.uk/">iHasco</a>) who produce a series of highly regarded Health and Safety training programmes, including Display Screen Equipment Training. Email: SJC@ihasco.co.uk

For more information about <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ihasco.co.uk/training-programme/display-screen-equipment-training">DSE Training</a>, visit: www.ihasco.co.uk Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Eyestrain-at-Work-Dont-Let-Eyestrain-Get-The-Better-of-Your-Working-Life_116311.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Eyestrain at Work? Don't Let Eyestrain Get The Better of Your Working Life_116311.aspx</a>

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Eyestrain at Work? Don't Let Eyestrain Get The Better of Your Working Life_116311.aspx

Author Resource :
This article was written by Sarah Cushenan who works at The Interactive Health and Safety Company (iHasco) who produce a series of highly regarded Health and Safety training programmes, including Display Screen Equipment Training. Email: SJC@ihasco.co.uk

For more information about DSE Training, visit: www.ihasco.co.uk

Keywords : eyes, training, safety, computer,

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