Eyes & Eyesight

Author: CCa2z

Date: 10th October 2004

Although intensive use of visual display units (VDU) can cause temporary effects on vision, there is no convincing scientific evidence to support the widely held belief that using VDUs causes long-term eyesight damage.  Permanent eyesight deterioration can usually be explained by normal aging effects.  Because of the intensive use of VDUs, any existing but previously undetected and, therefore, uncorrected eyesight deficiencies are more likely to become apparent, often in the form of headaches etc.  This risk can be reduced by offering eyesight tests at induction and at regular intervals thereafter and providing spectacles if they are necessary for working with a VDU.

Visual Fatigue: Visual fatigue is highlighted as a principal risk associated with display screen equipment work and, as call handlers use VDUs so intensively, they are at high risk.  Symptoms include sore eyes, blurred vision, tired eyes and headaches.  In addition to offering eye tests, there are a number of measures which can reduce the risk of this condition.  These include: adjusting the VDU brightness and contrast settings; keeping the VDU clean, particularly from smears; ensuring the VDU is free from glare and reflections by controlling the ambient lighting conditions; and suitable positioning of any reference material.  Software fonts should not be smaller than size 12.  Exercising and stretching the eye-movement muscles from time to time whilst at the workstation can also help reduce the risk as does looking away from the VDU and focusing on something as far away as possible, as this relaxes the eye muscles.  Breaks or changes in activity are particularly important to avoid visual fatigue and should be taken away from the computer in order for call handlers' eyes to recover.

Blink Rates: Blink rates have been shown to drop when using a VDU.   Consequently, the eyes are less well lubricated, and this can lead to tired and sore eyes.  The risk will be heightened if there is low relative humidity.  Contact lens wearers are also at greater risk, as contact lenses prevent blinks from lubricating the eye properly.  The risks due to low blink rates can be reduced by breaks or changes of activity.

Legal Requirements: Employers must provide eyesight tests if an employee defined as a DSE user requests one (refer to DSER Reg 5 and the guidance on this in L26).   This right and the procedure for requesting a test should be clearly explained to call handlers at induction training.  New recruits should also be made aware that they can request an eye test before they start work.  Induction and refresher training on DSE should also cover the risks from low blink rates and techniques for maintaining normal rates as well as information on the risk of visual fatigue and how call handlers can avoid it.  All employees should be made aware that their employer is obliged to pay for 'special corrective appliances' (these are usually spectacles) if an eyesight test indicates these are required for VDU work only.  If an employee already wears corrective appliances, but an eyesight test shows that these are unsuitable specifically for the distances involved in VDU work, the individual's employer is also obliged to pay for appropriate corrective appliances for this activity only.  If individuals choose frames that are more expensive than basic frames, employers are only obliged to contribute the cost of the basic frames.  The introduction of any working practice which may substantially affect call handlers' eyes or eyesight should be done in consultation with call handlers or their representatives.

User Comments: The majority of call handlers had been notified of their right to eye tests by their current employer through company occupational health advisors, health and safety representatives or through their manager, but, for a few, this was only because they had asked, and a number had been misinformed about their eligibility.   Induction training, company intranets and employee handbooks were mentioned as sources of information on eye tests.  A small number of call handlers had been offered a test at induction, and some companies had regular in-house testing programmes.  There were, however, reports of delays in responding to requests, and a number of call handlers only knew about eye tests because their previous employer, a colleague, friends or family members had told them.

Good practice:

  • Display reminders on-screen from time to time to prompt call handlers to look away and focus on a distant object. Also prompt them to exercise their eye movement muscles and blink.
  • Prompt call handlers to request regular eye tests and remind them that the company will pay for basic corrective appliances if they are required for VDU work. (HSE)

Share this
email this page to a friend print this page