Eyes in the workplace

Modern technology can lead to a risk of short-sightedness, eye strain and other sight related problems.  Here are the top five with advice from your independent opticians:

1. Proximity to Screen
The closer your eyes are to a screen the harder they need to work, this can cause headaches.  The ideal distance from an average computer screen is approximately an arms length and directly in front of your eyes.  If you use varifocals the screen height should be three to five inches below eye level.  This position is also better for many people with normal vision as it is easier on the convergence of the eyes (see below).

2. Convergence of the Eyes
This is the ability of the eyes to move together and is controlled by two muscles in the corner of the eyes called the ‘medial recti’.  When they get tired doubling of vision and loss of ability to maintain your position on the screen can result.  Convergence insufficiency can often be rectified by eye exercises to improve the muscles, your local optician will be able to identify and treat this condition.

3. Glare
One in five people are sensitive to glare from the white of a screen, migraine sufferers are particularly prone.  To help alleviate the problem minimise the reflections on your screen from other light sources.  Specialist anti-glare screen filters can also help, for some glasses wearers, a tint in their lenses also reduces glare significantly.  A high street optician will be able to diagnose visual stress.

4. Binocular Vision
This is how well your eyes work together as a pair, eyes are not always equal and can be out of sync which can lead to forehead headaches.  A thorough eye examination at your local opticians will identify this problem, it can be rectified with glasses or contact lenses.

5. Quality of Tear Fluid
Office central heating and air conditioning can dry the eyes out making them feel gritty and uncomfortable.  Over the counter eye drops can help, however an ongoing problem can be treated by your local optician.  Problems are more apparent in contact lens wearers, your local optician will take the time to ensure the lens material is the most appropriate for your amount of screen use and office environment.

Signs of eyestrain:

•    Headaches, particularly across the forehead
•    Any discomfort with the eyes
•    Night driving problems refocusing, particularly with on-coming glare
•    Blur or having to blink constantly to clear your focus
•    Tense shoulders and neck or lower back pain (not always stress related!)
•    Increasing crows feet – screwing up your eyes to focus encourages wrinkles!

More to think about:

•    Give your eyes a break every 20 – 30 minutes if you can.  When you’re thinking, making a phone call or pressing send on an email, divert your gaze from the screen and focus on something on the other side of the office for just a few minutes – remind your eyes that there are other distances to focus on and give them some well earned rest.
•    Headaches in the workplace are often put down to stress.  However, many headaches particularly across the forehead are actually a result of eye strain.  A trip to your local optician can help solve the problem.
•    If you are short-sighted (near stress Myopia) and aged in your late 20s or 30s your eye sight should remain fairly static.  If your eyesight is changing regularly consult your local optician who will be able to provide you with advice on treatment.  
•    In line with an EU directive your employer should pay for your eye examinations and contribute to the cost of your glasses if prescribed for screen work.  

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