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Computers are invading every part of our
daily lives. Many of us do the bulk of our work on computers. The fact
that you are reading this page is evidence of how pervasive computers
have become, even in our recreation and personal information gathering.
Unfortunately we haven't physically evolved to cope with the stresses
and strains that computers put on our musculoskeletal system or our
visual system. Our visual system has evolved through the ages to enhance
our ability to hunt and gather food for survival. This task focuses our
eyes into the distance and allows for erect and changing posture. Visual
and other task related demands which require sustained desk work or
reading are stressful enough on our body and our eyes, now throw in the
use of a computer which requires us to maintain a somewhat unnatural
posture with our hands and wrists extended over a key board and we
become uncomfortable and unproductive. In addition, give us a visual
target that may induce subtle flickering and glare as well as changing
foregrounds and backgrounds which may reduce contrast and we have a real
visual challenge. Another problem all of us will face when
we are over 40 years of age is the natural loss of our ability to focus
near objects, and our lack of ability to change our focus from one near
target to another. This problem becomes exaggerated if we have a
computer screen which is out of the natural field of our bifocals. The
added stresses of craning the neck in order to focus our screen properly
may cause undue strain and can lead to computer related injuries and
loss of productivity.
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We need to examine the individual
needs of our bodies and eyes and adjust our work stations to
better conform with the ergonomic needs of our bodies.
We also need to look at the visual demands which are specifically
created by our heavy use of the computer screen.
A thorough and complete eye examination which pays attention to
the visual work environment is paramount.
An analysis of the work environment
through simulated performance at a computer station and the
determination of the best optical solution to enhance the visual
performance is necessary. Included in the evaluation should be:
- Analysis of Muscle Balance and
Stereopsis.
- Evaluation of the systems in the
eye which create tears and maintain a well lubricated eye.
- Evaluation of the best focusing
options for the computer user.
- Evaluation of lighting options to
enhance visual performance and reduce glare.
- Evaluation of the ergonomics of the
computer station to enhance physical as well as visual comfort.
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Special recommendations for computer
lenses which allow for more comfortable focusing of the computer
screen. Recommendations on
special tints and coatings which can be applied to lenses which
decrease glare and make computer screen viewing easier and less
fatiguing.
Recommendations on lighting which
will help enhance the viewing environment for the computer user.
Recommendations on work station
ergonomics which will enhance not only the visual efficiency but
will reduce overall fatigue and injury associated with heavy
computer use.
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