Glasses for computer work
If you are using a PC as part of your job, you may be entitled
to financial help for eye tests and money for, or towards
a pair of glasses if your eyesight starts to be affected by
your job.
Employers are required by law to provide, or meet the cost
of, eye care tests and/or corrective glasses for VDU use for
their employees. From 6 April 2006 an employer can provide
these benefits by means of a voucher without triggering a
taxable benefit in kind.
Extensive research has found no substantial evidence that
VDU's can cause disease and permanent damage to eyes. However,
long spells of VDU work can lead to tired eyes and discomfort.
Coupled with this, the fact that your eyes are being given
more demanding tasks might make you more aware of an existing
eyesight problem that you hadn't noticed before. You and
your employer can help your eyes by ensuring your VDU is
well positioned and properly adjusted, and that the workplace
lighting is suitable.
The heat generated by computers and other equipment can make
the air seem drier, and some contact lens wearers find this
uncomfortable. If you are suffering from this problem but
have no wish to change to wearing spectacles, you can try
blinking more often or using tear-substitute drops. Where
the air is dry, employers can help by taking steps to increase
the humidity.
People with bifocal spectacles may find them less than ideal
for VDU work. It is important to be able to see the screen
easily without having to raise or lower your head. If you
can't work comfortably with bifocals, you may need a different
type of spectacles. If you are in any doubt, consult your
optician or doctor.
Steps you can take to reduce computer eyestrain:
Computer Eye Test
Computer users should think about attending
an eye test when starting their employment with a new employer
and on an annual basis thereafter.
Proper Lighting
Ideally, the ambient lighting of the surroundings in which
you are positioned in front of the VDU should be about half
that used in most work environments. Eye strain can be caused
by excessive bright light from inside or outside so it's a
good idea to position your monitor so that a window is to
the site of your screen and NOT directly in front or behind.
Minimize Glare
Reflections in your screen can cause you to strain your eyes.
Take steps to counter this by re-positioning your computer
monitor to counter act this problem. If you are a glasses
wearer, have an anti-reflective coating applied to prevent
glare and reflections on the back side of your lenses reaching
your eyes.
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