Computer workstation with low vision

It seems that almost everyone in this digital world spends a lot of time in front of a computer, which can strain the eyes and other parts of the body.
Anyone who uses a computer for an extended period of time – whether at work, school or home – is at risk for headaches,
red or burning eyes, a stiff neck, and other symptoms that the Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) include. Prolonged computer work can also cause physical stress that can eventually lead to disability.

The good news: You can reduce computer-related discomfort by becoming aware of your body while working on the computer and adjusting your workstation and vision habits. The key is a so-called computer ergonomics.

What is „computer ergonomics“?

Ergonomics is the science of designing a workstation, equipment and/or workspace that suits the worker. Aims to optimize the „fit“ between each employee and their work environment to optimize performance and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.

The Computer ergonomics Addresses ways to optimize your computer workspace to reduce the specific risks of computer vision syndrome (CVS), neck and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other disorders of the muscles, spine, and joints.

Some experts in the field also use the term „visual ergonomics“ when referring to designing a computer workstation with the goal of preventing CVS.

Computer and Visual Ergonomics: OSHA Tips

You don’t need an expensive consultant to create a computer workspace that reduces your risk of stress, discomfort and possible injury.

Here are some of the best computer ergonomics tips, from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) are recommended to. These tips are designed to reduce the risk of stress, physical injury, and eye strain from prolonged computer work.

1. Sit so that your head and neck are upright and in line with your torso and not bent down or tilted backward.

Also, adjust the height of your chair and desk so that:

• Her upper arms are perpendicular to the floor, not stretched forward or tilted backward.
• Your forearms, wrists and hands form a 90-degree angle with your upper arms.
• Your thighs are parallel to the floor and your lower legs are perpendicular to the floor.
• Your wrists and palms are not resting on sharp edges.

If you wear bifocals or varifocals, you should be able to view your computer screen comfortably without tilting your head backward. If this is not the case, consider purchasing computer glasses or contact lenses.

There are also great multifocal contact lenses, so you don’t have to give up basically progressive vision when using contact lenses.

Following these tips will help you avoid stressful postures that lead to headaches, neck and back pain, and computer vision syndrome.

But remember that prolonged computer work – even at an ideal workstation – puts a strain on your body and eyes.

To relieve stress that can lead to vision and physical disorders, take regular breaks from computer work.

Many experts, including optometrists who specialize in computer vision, recommend that you get up and away from your computer for short breaks at least every 20 to 30 minutes.

Take a few minutes to stretch your arms and back, and let your eyes relax their focus by looking at something that is at least 20 feet away.

Also, blink fully and frequently to reduce the risk of dry eyes from computer use. If necessary, use the eye drops to moisten your eyes.

Would you like to increase your computer productivity and accuracy? Increase your font size!

You may be able to increase your productivity and accuracy in computer work by making a simple, easy adjustment and increasing the font size on your screen. And it could also make your job seem easier.

These are the results of a computer vision study published in the June 2014 issue of Optometry and Vision Science.

Researchers examined the effects of age, font size, and glare on how well two groups of subjects could perform visually demanding text-based tasks on the computer. The first group consisted of 19 computer users (18 to 35 years old), and the second group consisted of eight older users (55 to 65 years old) who wore progressive lenses for presbyopia.

Three font sizes were used in the study: 1.78 mm, 2.23 mm, and 3.56 mm.

Results showed that productivity and accuracy improved as font size increased. Study participants’ perceived difficulty of presented tasks was also reduced by 8 percent when using larger fonts. Participants’ age had no effect on these relationships.

Somewhat surprisingly, increasing reflected glare on users’ screens did not affect productivity and accuracy. But increased glare made participants move closer to their computers.

Study authors say the results can be useful in determining the best font sizes for computers and training office workers.