Computer eyestrain: Causes and costs
By Phillip L. Polakoff, M.D. 6 August 2006
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Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) has been called the No. 1 occupational hazard of the 21st century.
The dubious "honor" of being "#1" is not surprising, considering the amount of work being done by so many workers spending so much time each day at a keyboard in front of a computer screen.
It has been reported that as many as 9 out of every 10 workers in certain occupations experience CVS. These include computer programmers, graphic artists, editors, architects, insurance underwriters, air controllers, executives and secretaries.
The symptoms of CVS include eyestrain or eye fatigue, headaches, blurry vision, neck problems and backaches.
Studies have shown that the way our eyes view the computer image is very different from how they read the printed word in a newspaper or book.
The images or pixels on a computer screen have poor edge definition. This can cause a repetitive focusing effort for the eye muscles. Over time, this constant movement generates the symptoms of overuse.
A study published in the January 2004 issue of the AOA Journal, the publication of the American Optometric Association, shows the effects on productivity and costs of even a slightly inaccurate vision--not to mention the discomfort of the computer users.
The study done at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, the first of its kind ever conducted, drew the following conclusions.
Uncorrected computer vision, even where there are no symptoms or where the computer screen appears clear, can affect worker productivity and accuracy.
A miscorrection of as little as 0.5 diopters--just two "clicks" in a patient’s eye exam--can effect productivity by approximately 9 percent, and accuracy by 38 percent.
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Work and Health -2- March 1, 2004
Correcting these negative results can have a significant impact on the bottom line of organizations that rely on employees using computers.
For example, the employer of an individual with a salary of $60,000 a year would theoretically reap a gain in productivity of $5,400 (9 percent of $60,000), minus the cost of the eye exam and computer glasses of about $300.
In the case of this employee, the organization would reap a cost/benefit ratio of 18 to 1--or $18 for every $1 spent.
Said Dr. Kent Daum, optometrist and chief investigator of the study: "The study is important because over half of America’s workforce spend their workday in front of computers today.
"This study gives employers hard evidence of the financial benefits of providing compute eyewear for employees who use computers."
Participants in the Alabama tests ranged in age from 19 years old to 30 years old.
According to Daum, the tests also show that while ergonomics are important in terms of productivity and relief of CVS syndrome, they won’t, in themselves, fix a visual problem. This, he said, can only be done with the right computer lens prescriptions.
If you have any questions or suggestions for future articles, write to me at 171 Alvarado Rd., Berkeley, Calif. 94705.
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(Copyright 2004 by Phillip L. Polakoff and medical writer Jack Tucker/PAI)
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