Home » At Risk - Computer Screen Glare and Eye Damage

At Risk - Computer Screen Glare and Eye Damage

Posted: Wednesday, September 19, 2007

by Jeff Anliker, LMT
BSI

As the amount of technology used in todays world increases, so do the concerns for health and safety. Numerous persons who utilize computers on a regular basis complain of difficulties with their vision. Scientific research conducted by experts in the field indicate that, though it is common for discomfort and fatigue for the eyes, there is no permanent damage from using computers on a regular basis. There was one study, completed in Japan in 2004, which did however, find an increased risk for myopic (nearsighted) individuals who use computers on a regular basis and an incidence of Glaucoma.

NIOSH provides estimated statistics, which indicate more than sixty million Americans alone, suffer from eye related problems from the use of computers. The majority of research and complaints by those who use computers on a regular long-term basis involves eyestrain and headaches. These issues are not the result of the monitor or computer itself, but instead result from a combination of factors. In regards to eyestrain, there are some optometrists who believe it can be of a repetitive nature, similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. Regardless of the fact that there is little to no evidence of permanent eye damage being caused by the computer, it is important for the users to reduce the amount of strain and fatigue.

There are many different possible-contributing factors to eye problems related to computer use. They include:

Using bifocals which are set for a typical reading distance of sixteen inches, and where computer monitors are usually further away than sixteen inches.
The set distance of the computer monitor causing the worker to focus on one specific distance for a long period of time.
The fact that information on a computer monitor is brightest in the middle then fades out, as it gets closer to the edge. This causes the eyes to overwork to compensate and can result in strain to the eyes.
Prolonged use of the computer without adequate breaks, causing increased stress and strain to the eyes.
Inadequate or improper placement and/or use of lighting. (glares too much or is too dark).
Other eye problems. (allergies, dry eyes, unaligned eye muscles, etc.)

There are simple steps one can take to limit the amount of eye fatigue or strain you may experience when working at a computer for long periods of time, including:

Moving the monitor at least twenty inches from your eyes and keeping it at eye level.
Taking twenty-second eye breaks and focusing on objects far away during the breaks. Try to incorporate these breaks every thirty minutes of work time.
Use of document holders to keep your eyes from constantly having to refocus on different media with different lighting.
Reduce the glare on the screen. (eliminate or reducing overhead or direct light, invest in a LCD Glare filter)
Use Glare Guard to reduce glare.
Rob rotation, such as switching tasks every 30-60 minutes in order to reduce strain on eyes and increase overall productivity by being active.

Eyestrain can be prevented or greatly reduced by implementing a few of the changes listed above, increasing the overall health and productivity of the workplace. If your office has yet to make such positive chances, talk to the health and safety director, as it can significantly reduce workers compensation and insurance claims while creating a healthier, happier workplace!

BSI Staff - BSI provides ergonomic information and resources along with products for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, tennis elbow and other repetitive strain injuries. http://www.repetitive-strain.com

This Article has been viewed 4,349 times. (Not updated in real-time.)

Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)

» left by Kathy
from Barrie, Ontario. Canada 3 years 329 days ago.

No it wasn't helpfull at all. I have already done all of the above mentioned suggestions on how to prevent the damage etc. etc. I am one of those people who has long term damage. I don't care what the experts say. They haven't studied enough people on a long term basis doing work that has no variety and is just staring all day at the computer. Even if it is set up properly you CAN have damage. I just lost my job of 26 years because I can barely read, go on a computer and watch Tv. I've had long term problems with my vision, going on over 4 years now. If you know of any current studies on people for long term use of computers, I'd love to hear about it. Otherwise. I don't believe that the computers don't cause long term damage. I have severely tired eyes. I've had frequent prescription changes as well to no avail. Somebody needs to get off the pot and do something before more people end up like me, unemployable.

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» left by perilyn patton from Detroit, Michigan 1 year 361 days ago.

i have also done all the right things, and find that my vision becomes very blurey after I have been on the computer for some time. I find that I can not read any thing at all, period. I feel something is kept from us. Computers are big business, and big business would never admit it does any thing bad, with sales alone and profit being the only consideration. Remember cigerettes?Remember how the tobbacco companies said that cigerettes never hurt anybody? it is the same thing here.

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» left by dean
from derbyshire uk 3 years 140 days ago.

Since ive red this article ive moved my lcd screen further to the wall as it was closer than 20 inches and it was kaing my eyes very sore,im 22 years of age and im concerned that too much time on the computer will permanently damage my eyes,i spend at least 6 hours a day on my pc,ive also dimmed the lcd so it isnt very bright,i dont believe computers cause permanent damage it just makes eyes sore,my uncles been on computers everyday since they were first invented and he said his eyes are perfect,so i agree and believe to everything on the main article

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» left by Anonymous 3 years 45 days ago.

I read that it was about the kind of light that they output that is not good. Particually high levels of blue which can damage the eye over time.

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» left by Anonymous 3 years 24 days ago.

it was helpful,.thanks

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» left by john
from langsford 2 years 254 days ago.

I have been computing now for 35 years. My eyes were fine until Microsoft and, now webmasters, insist on bright backgrounds and black foregrounds. Look at a windows screen for a minute or so then close your eyes. Now change to dark background and a light foreground, its not hard. Close your eyes again after a minute. Now tell me there is no long term damage being done.

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