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.