Healthy & Computer

• Ocular motility — the ability of the eyes to move in various positions.
• Accommodation — the ability of the eyes to focus clearly at various distances.
• Vergence — The ability to move the eyes in (convergence) or out (divergence). Effects of Working Environment Computer work places various demands on the visual system. Each of these factors can play a part in computer vision syndrome. Screen resolution — Better resolution offers greater clarity and usually leads to improved comfort. Adjust the resolution to the highest resolution your monitor will support. If the increased screen resolution makes items too small, try increasing the font size (DPI) to compensate.
• Screen contrast — Adjust the contrast between the characters on the monitor and the background so the letters are easily read. Adjust the brightness of the monitor to an intensity that is comfortable to your eyes.
• Screen glare and reflections — Minimize reflected glare on your monitor by using window treatments, dimmer switches on lights and glare reduction filters.
• Image refresh rates and flicker — A higher refresh rate for your monitor is best. The image on the screen should not flicker at all. (This is not a concern with LCDs.)
• Working distances and angles
• General eyeglass prescription may not be adequate — Computers are usually further and higher than a typical reading task. Glasses for most people wearing bifocals are not adjusted for this new distance or angle and therefore often are not adequate for using the computer.
• Repetitive and stressful tasks — Difficult tasks are challenging. Don't forget to take occasional breaks and let the eyes look far away while resting.
• Have a regular comprehensive eye exam to ensure your eyes are healthy and that you have the correct eyeglass or contact lens prescription (if necessary). Be certain to tell your optometrist about the computer work you do.
• Wear glasses that are specifically designed to function comfortably at the computer.
• Feet should be flat on the floor (or on a slightly angled foot rest) with knees bent close to or greater than 90 degrees.
• Chair seat should support the legs without excessive pressure on the back of the thighs.
• The back should be snug against the seat to fit your spinal contour. Thigh-to-trunk angle should be 90 degrees or greater.
• Wrists and hands should extend nearly straight from the elbow to the home row of the keyboard.
• A commonly preferred work surface height for keyboard use is about 26" as opposed to the conventional 29" of most tables or desks.
• Place the monitor 20"-26" from your eyes, depending on the size of the monitor and individual vision conditions.
• The monitor and keyboard should be straight ahead.
• The top of the monitor should be slightly below horizontal eye level. Tilt the top of the monitor away from you at a 10 degree to 20 degree angle. The center of the monitor should be 10 degrees to 20 degrees below your eyes. This is 4?-9? below your eyes at a distance of 24"
• Keep the monitor free of fingerprints and dust. Both can reduce clarity.
• Place document holders close to the screen within the same viewing distance. Keep the keyboard and monitor in line.
• Adjust the keyboard tilt angle so that wrists are straight. Healthy Computer Use Although the visual system faces considerable challenges when using a computer, most issues can be solved.