computer vision syndrome

Hand Held ergonomics: from tablets to GPS units and smart phones these devices are quickly the go to first technology used by people of all ages. I have observed more and more younger individuals including teenagers complaining of physical difficulties you would normally associated with computer usage. Please consider these recommendations:

** when entering information avoid "banging" ** increase font size ** instead of hanging your head over the tablet: prop up the tablet ** maintain your arms at a 90 degree angle

Which Font is best for viewing on the computer?

Do you desire to more easily comprehend the letter characters on your computer monitor? No, you don't have to run out to your local computer store and purchase the latest monitor version. There is no "miracle" monitor accessory to transform how you see the characters on a monitor. The solution is very simple and inexpensive: modify your font.

In past articles I have addressed both the font color and size to improve your visual performance and accuracy. But over the summer I have been examining the actual font's role in visual functioning and precision. I think we forget the characters on the computer monitor are a projection. Characters displayed on a computer monitor are dark in the center but fuzzy along the character’s outer edge. That’s why pixel concentration is so important as it affects image quality. Most computer's word processing software contains over 160 different fonts. Usually most software has a default font and size. And I have observed many computer users; just like how they employ their computer seating; sit down and begin working with a particular software and the "preloaded" font. They never consider how to best use the technology and tools available to them. They just use it.

Of the 160+ word processing software fonts; in my research I have identified 12 different fonts which I can recommend. As most of us use a variety of technology: computers, wireless phones, IPODS, and GPS units; I have learned that each technology has its own unique visual demand. Each technology can be modified (depending on brand and service provider) to make it easier to comprehend the screen characters. For example; did you know that you can go into your cellular phone's settings and change the font?

I know that without the correct spectacle prescription your visual accuracy can be affected by as much as 38%. I know that when we are using different types of technology we are alternating our view almost every 7 minutes. I strongly recommend that your employees use my vision identification tool WIDE (which stands for what I do with my eyes) to bring to their eye doctor at the time of their eye examination. Then the doctor and employee can discuss the various visual demands and the appropriate prescription(s) to satisfy the vision correction. For example; of the over 300+ progressive bifocals in production today I have learned that about a dozen available in safety lenses are the most affective. Especially the new Varilux Comfort which I discuss in this month’s product review.

I invite you to try out the different fonts to learn which is the easiest for you to see. Take a moment and explore the options available to you on the different technological devices you work with. If you have any questions; please contact me directly at 708-686-5266

Test times roman 123

Test futura bk 123

Test arial 123

Test century 123

Test Tahoma 123

Test courier 123

Test verdana 123

Test eurostile 123

Test georgia 123

Test perpetua 123

Test tunga 123

Test arial black 123

Computer ergonomics: The science of computer vision

When you read just one word, your left and right eye teamed together point to the first letter of the word, identifying each of the letters as the eyes move from left to right across the word; transmitting that information back to the brain as it comprehends the word. And all of this takes place in about a tenth of a second. It's easy for your eyes to read with your glasses text which has clearly defined characters such as on a printed page. But when you read a word on a computer monitor you're actually viewing a projection of a letter made up of round dots called pixels. That's why pixel concentration, font type& size, text colors, and flicker rates are critical computer vision issues.

The human eye as it ages into the thirties and forties loses the ability to effectively accommodate as eye teaming begins a downward trend. While viewing the image on a computer monitor the normal blink rate of 20 times per minute is reduced to levels as low as 4 blinks. Dryness of the eye continues to increase as we all get even older. In other words you're having a difficult time keeping your eyes focused and your vision clear and sharp.

As we age the lens inside your eye becomes less clear. The muscles inside your eye which flex the lens become less capable to control the lens focusing; i.e. your arms don't seem long enough. Progressive bifocals which have been prescribed to address visual issues for the computer user reach a level where even this lens cannot provide clear sharp vision for distance, reading, and the computer. This usually happens as the reading power of the progressive bifocal increases over +2.00. The physics of the progressive in higher reading powers causes the mid range and near portions to "shrink". Thus these smaller zones force the progressive bifocal wearer to tip their head upward placing stress on the neck, shoulders, and back. If you have trouble seeing the screen you'll adjust your head and body so you can which then adversely affects your proper ergonomic positioning. I cannot stress the importance your eye doctor understand fully your visual demands at home and at work. A prescription for just the computer is the alternative over trying to make one pair of lenses work at three different distances. I discuss these issues and solutions in my programs Combating Visual Fatigue and Avoiding Computer Vision Syndrome.

Do I sit or do I stand.... Recently I have observed reports in the newspaper and on television that highlighted the benefits of standing, versus sitting, while using a computer. Scientific evidence has proven that prolonged sitting has numerous adverse affects on the human body. Compression of the lower musculoskeletal system, blood pooling, and increased resting blood pressure levels are very common amongst individuals with prolonged sitting times. So what’s a safety manager to do?

There are a few isolated instances when a standing work station could be beneficial but should be decided on a case by case situation. Ideally you would also equip this employee with wireless keyboard and input devices. An anti fatigue floor mat should also be incorporated. The ergonomic seating should also be one that can be used when sitting or standing

Personally I don’t envision corporate America refitting the computer workplace with workstations that raise up at an approximate cost of $800 per person. But as I point out in my ergonomic wellness program; it is important to get out of the chair. I recommend that employees examine their work day and incorporate periods that have them moving. For example don’t eat your lunch in front of the computer, stand when making phone calls, and consult with a coworker face to face versus sending them an email. These micro breaks all help reduce the stress on the musculoskeletal system and heart. I recommend you review with your employees the proper way to use their ergonomic seating. I cannot tell you how many times when I am called to conduct an ergonomic assessment that the primary difficulty is improper use of the chair. The ergonomic seating will support you when:

* You sit with your back firmly against the chair back rest and lumbar support

* Your feet must rest flat on the floor

* Elbows and knees should both be at an approximately 90 degrees

If you have a specific ergonomic questions; please contact me directly at 708-686-5266 so we can discuss your situation.

A recent telephone survey of 1,020 adults conducted by Opinion Research Corporation in partnership with the American Optometric Association has found that a majority (61%) of Americans are concerned about vision problems caused by prolonged computer use. According to the survey; people feel that CVS is a major vision problem and 64% believe that it will worsen in the future.

Computer Vision Disorder

Is a computer one of the tools necessary for your job? Do you use a computer at home? The answer to both of these questions is probably: YES. Then ask your self; “how often do I encounter any of these symptoms?"

Dry eyes?

Focusing difficulty?

Blurred vision?

Headaches?

Sore shoulders?

Pain in my neck or back?

The Vision Council of America indicates sixty million people suffer from eye problems associated with a computer use. Every year that number rises by an additional million people. These 6 symptoms are estimated to cost American companies and employees 2 billion dollars to diagnose and treat.

If a person is having a visual difficulty associated with computer use; more than likely they will also have some level & form of physical trouble also. The right prescription lenses and appropriate frames will aid the computer user in avoiding computer related difficulties. So it is critical for your prescription lenses to inform your eye doctor how far away from your eyes your monitor is positioned. If you use a bifocal lens be sure to select a frame which has a minimum of 35 millimeters in vertical height (referred to as the B measurement).

Computer use is the most visually intensive and demanding work. People who have visually difficulty seeing the computer will automatically adjust their bodies to focus on the monitor screen. The result of these changes in good posture to see the screen are musculoskeletal problems in the neck, back, shoulders, arms, and hands.

You can reduce the likelihood of visual and physical difficulties by incorporating the following preventive measures:

· Always work with a computer monitor by facing it with your head straight

· A monitor should be approximately 24 – 28 inches away from your eyes

· The top of the monitor should be at approximately eye brow height (for progressive bifocal users; lower the top of monitor to nose level)

· Be sure to sit with your back firmly against the chair back

· Your feet should be flat on the floor

· Paper documents should be on document holder – Not lying flat on the desk

· Position document holder on your visually dominant side

* Keyboard tray and mouse should be on the same plane.

* Upper arms and elbows to be close to body (not extended outward)

* Forearms, wrists, and hands to be straight and parallel to floor

* Avoid cradling phone between head and neck

* Head and neck to be upright (not bent forward over the work surface)

· Reduce glare

· Use black letters on a light background such as white

· Recommended progressive lenses are Varilux Computer Fatigue lenses, Adapter, Solamax, Access, Shamir and Readable

· Prescription lens material for optimum performance is polycarbonate with anti-reflective coating

To address any specific questions you may have; please contact our office directly at 708-686-5266

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