Don’t Let Your Job Be a Pain – Workplace Safety Addresses Computer Vision Syndrome
Dexter & Pinckney Michigan, March 4, 2015 – Approximately 100 million American workers are affected by computer eyestrain, a symptom of computer vision syndrome (CVS), according to Dr. Renee Laliberte.
Don’t Let Your Job Be a Pain
Workplace safety addresses computer vision syndrome
“March is Eye Safety in the Workplace Month, and as our nation has moved from a manufacturing society to an information society, computer vision syndrome has become a workplace concern,” Dr Laliberte said. “While prolonged computer use will not damage vision, it can make you uncomfortable and decrease productivity.”
CVS is caused by the eyes constantly focusing and refocusing on the characters on a computer screen. These characters don’t have the contrast or well-defined edges like printed words and the eyes’ focus cannot remain fixed. CVS can be partially alleviated by changes in the ergonomics of the work area.
“Symptoms of CVS include headaches, loss of focus, burning or tired eyes, blurred vision, and neck or shoulder pain,” Dr. Laliberte said. “Proper lighting and monitor placement can go a long way toward reducing CVS, as can giving your eyes frequent ‘breaks’ from the computer. But the underlying cause of CVS – the ability of the eyes to focus on the computer screen – may only be remedied by specialized computer glasses.”
Dr. Laliberte said a comprehensive eye exam, including questions about a person’s computer-use habits, is the first step. If it is determined that vision correction for computer use is required, an eye doctor can prescribe computer lenses that are designed to improve your vision in the 18” to 28” range, the optimal distance between your eyes and the computer monitor.
Dr. Laliberte is the owner and practitioner of Main Street Optometry – Vision Source located at 8089 Main Street STE 1 in Dexter Michigan and at 1245 E Main Street in Pinckney Michigan and is a member of Vision Source.
Founded in 1991, Vision Source® is North America’s largest network of private practice optometrists. With more than 2,800 offices and 5,300 members in the United States and Canada, Vision Source consists of the most influential experts in the eye care industry. For more information, call 888-558-2020 or visit www.visionsource.com.