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As the computer has become an important tool for both work and social functions, people are spending more and more hours in front of computer screens, increasing their exposure to a number of possible health risks.

 

Chief among these risks is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).

 

CVS is defined as "a temporary condition resulting from focusing the eyes on a computer display for protracted, uninterrupted periods of time" and can bring about headaches and fatigue as well as make it difficult to refocus ones eyes.

 

According to OSHA, CVS can also cause tired, burning, itching, dry or watery eyes, double vision and after- images, as well as sensitivity to light and excessive blinking or squinting.

 

NIOSH, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health notes that nearly 80 percent of those working at a computer for more than two hours a day suffer from the symptoms of CVS and while it is not as well known as other computer-related conditions like carpal tunnel, three times as many people suffer from CVS.

 

Because this condition can be aggravated by improper lighting conditions, it is vital that workstations include task lights to reduce strain and dilatation of eyes.

 

In the call center, this can pose an especially significant risk as agents are spending long hours focusing on computer screens. Not only will strain be put on the users vision but vision problems can make agents less efficient and have a higher rate of errors throughout the day. In fact, The Journal of the American Optometric Association notes, "just a small amount of visual interference, such as glare, causes a reduction in employee efficiency of 4 to 19 percent."

While some doctors recommend frequent breaks to look at something far away as way to relax focusing muscles, ensuring that correct lighting, provided by task lights is included at all workstations is especially important to reduce the chances of CVS.

 

 

 

 

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