Eyestrain and CVSComputer Vision Syndrome

[Name], [Title][Company] [Address]

T: [Main Telephone] DD: [Direct Phone] E: [Email]

Eyestrain and CVS | 2

Eyestrain and CVS Eyestrain and irritation are among the most frequently reported complaints by computer users. Now there is a name for these health concerns—Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).

According to the American Optometric Association, CVS affects nine out of ten computer workers and costs almost $42 million each year to remedy. However, there are no statistics available on just how CVS affects productivity or lost work time.

Symptoms of CVS

The specific symptoms of CVS include:

Eyestrain, blurred vision, trouble focusing or eye fatigue. Headaches, light sensitivity, double-vision or after-images. Dry irritated and/or red eyes. Temporary nearsightedness. Neck, shoulder or back pain.

Experts differ on whether there is any permanent or long-term effects of CVS. This may be because individuals react to and recover from CVS causative factors differently.

CVS CausesCVS is thought by experts to be caused by improper lighting, improper monitor design, long working hours and vision disorders.

Most of these problems can be corrected by adjusting the physical and environmental settings where the computer users work. These include:

Lowering the light level in the office to avoid washing out images on the screen. Minimizing the contrast between the monitor, work surface and surrounding areas such as walls. Eliminate glare from harsh or bright lighting, windows, mirrors or bright work areas. Adjusting monitors so that the top of the screen is at or just below eye level and about 20-24 inches from the

user. Set the brightness control as low as is comfortable for the user. Set the screen refresh rate to above 60 Hertz to eliminate or reduce screen flicker. Keep the screen clean. Dirty screens are harder on the eyes than clean screens.

Suggestions

Other problems must be addressed by behavioral modification or medical attention. These include:

Getting a regular eye exam at least every five years, or if suffering sight problems. Computer usage often magnifies vision disorders and can result in eye irritation.

Take a 10-minute rest break every two hours.

Eyestrain and CVS | 3

Change focus regularly. Take mini-breaks by momentarily focusing on an object which is at least 20 feet away. This helps the eyes to relax.

Remember to blink. Computer users tend to blink less, causing dryness and irritation to the eyes.

Training Tips

Review the employee handout. Explain to employees how to request an ergonomic assessment of their work area, including CVS problems. Demonstrate how to properly adjust a computer monitor for the ambient light.

For more information see OSHA 3092, 1997, Working Safely with Video Display Terminals

Eyestrain and CVS | 4

Eyestrain and CVS HandoutEyestrain; headaches; blurred vision; dry, irritated, or red eyes; light sensitivity; temporary nearsightedness; and dry eye fatigue are all symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS). CVS affects a surprising number of computer users.

How Can I Protect Myself?You can do several things to prevent CVS, such as setting up your workplace properly. This could include:

Lower the light level during computer use, high illumination “washes-out” images on the

screen. Minimize the difference in contrast between the

display screen, work surface and surrounding area. Eliminate glare from harsh lighting, windows,

mirrors, bright work surfaces or clothing. Adjust monitors so the top of the screen is at or just

below eye level of the user, and about 20 to 24 inches away.

Set the brightness control as low as is comfortable and the contrast control as high as is comfortable. Change the refresh rate if your screen flickers. The refresh rate should be set above 60 Hertz. Place the document holder close to and at the same height and distance as the display screen.

Other things you can do to prevent CVS are related to the body mechanics, such as:

Have your vision checked. Eyes change as you age and eye problems can result from misdiagnosed eye problems or from wearing outdated eye glasses.

Occasionally changing your focus to things like looking out the window or across the room or at any object which is at least 20 feet away can alleviate some of the eye strain. Eyes relax when focusing on objects at a distance.

Always remember to blink often. We have a tendency to blink less when looking at a monitor, which causes dry irritated eyes.

How can my employer help?

Your employer will explain how to get assistance in setting up your workstation to avoid CVS problems.

Your employer will also explain how and to whom to report problems with your workstation or with your vision.

20 to 24 inches

Eyestrain and CVS | 5

Eyestrain and CVS Sign–Off Sheet

The employees of __________Company Name______________________________, have taken part in a training session on Eyestrain and CVS. The session covered:

Symptoms associated with CVS. Causes of CVS. How to prevent CVS. How to get help with eyestrain and other vision problems and who to report symptoms

to.

DATE OF TRAINING: FACILITY:

EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE PRINT NAME

________________________________________________________Supervisor’s Signature