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Learn About Computer Vision Syndrome

Learn About Computer Vision Syndrome

Post By: Celeste McLaughlin, Ergonomics Manager
Produced by: Solutions Northwest, Inc. (Ergonomics Experts serving Washington, Oregon, and California)

Avoid Computer Syndrome at the Office and Workplace

The average American worker spends 7 hours a day on the computer and 58% percent of adults have experienced digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome as a direct result.” (AOA) 2015 American Eye-Q

Whether you work on an office computer or use your smart phone to communicate, screen time is unavoidable for many American workers. In fact, “the average American worker spends 7 hours a day on the computer” (AOA).  As you may expect, too much screen time puts you at risk for eyestrain disorders like computer vision syndrome.

What is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a term to describe the discomfort or digital eyestrain one may feel after viewing a screen for long periods of time. According to the Mayo Clinic, “CVS is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion injuries you might get at work. It happens because your eyes follow the same path over and over.”  Symptoms include headaches, eyestrain, blurred vision, dry eyes, fatigue, neck and shoulder pain.

Prep your workstation to avoid Computer Vision Syndrome

Now that you have a better idea about what computer vision syndrome is, how can you avoid it if your job requires screen time? Here are some tips our ergonomics experts at SolutionsNW.com have compiled to improve your work station:

  • Eliminate glare on your computer monitor – To reduce screen glare, dim any overly bright lights in the room. However, be sure to keep the room lit enough for reading or writing notes. Using glare reducing monitor overlays or tilting your monitor can sometimes reduce screen glare. It may be necessary to move the monitor and/or work surface to a different location or close the blinds if glare is coming in from the windows.
  • Avoid competing light sources – Make sure your monitor is not directly in front of a window, directly under a bright light, and there are no lights shining directly into your eyes.
  • Consider glasses – If you are having trouble seeing the monitor, it would be a good idea to consult your eye doctor. If you wear bifocals and use a computer regularly, you may want to ask about computer glasses in addition to your regular glasses.
  • Adjust your workstation properly – Your monitor height should ideally be adjustable, although this is not always necessary. The top of the screen should be at eye level for normal vision and reference materials should be as close to the monitor as possible to reduce excessive head and eye movement. If you wear glasses which require you to use the lower portion of the lenses to read the text on the monitor, try lowering the monitor a few inches below eye height.
  • Establish healthy habits – Take breaks from looking at the computer screen and learn how to do eye exercises. Eyes can be exercised to increase strength of focusing and convergence ability, build stamina, and enable you to change focus faster. Check out these 4 Simple eye exercises you can do at work: http://www.solutionsnw.com/2017/04/29/4-eye-exercises-rest-eyes-work/

In Conclusion

Remember to remain proactive for a happy and healthy work environment. For some of these tips, you may need to speak to your office administrator or human resources director. Additionally, you may want to consider contacting an ergonomics expert to assess your work environment.

As always, be sure to share these tips with your co-workers or employees and for more guidance on all work related health and safety issues, visit SolutionsNW.com or Contact Us for more detailed information.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics consultants located in Washington State, Northern California, Oregon, Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and Portland.

Contact our Experts

Video: Ergonomics Exercises for the Neck.

Video: Ergonomics Exercises for the Neck.

Watch Solutions Northwest Inc.’s Ergonomics Exercises video series by clicking on the image above or visiting our YouTube channel.

If you are experiencing neck pain at work, this video will provide some exercises that may provide both relief and strength training.

One common source of neck pain for workers comes from smart phone usage.  Do you have “Text Neck”?

Text neck refers to neck pain which occurs from looking down at a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device too frequently or for long periods of time. You don’t even have to be texting to experience the pain, you could simply be reading or using an app.

If you’d like more information on “Text Neck,” check out our article for some tips: http://www.solutionsnw.com/2017/05/10/ergonomics-tips-text-neck-explained

For more guidance on all things Ergonomics, visit SolutionsNW.com or Contact Us for more information.

Be sure to subscribe to our blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics consultants located in Washington State, Northern California, Oregon, Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and Portland.

5 Healthy Habits for Workplace Coffee Drinkers

5 Healthy Habits for Workplace Coffee Drinkers

Post By: Celeste McLaughlin, Ergonomics Manager, Arcata, CA
Produced by:
Solutions Northwest, Inc. (Ergonomics Experts serving Washington, Oregon, and California)

5 Healthy Habits for Workplace Coffee Drinkers
Healthy Coffee Habits
1.6 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide every day.” – International Coffee Organization

Coffee is a popular way to stay alert at work. According to a recent survey, 43 percent of workers say that they are “less productive if they go without coffee.” According to Medical News Today when consumed in moderation, coffee may also have health benefits “from helping prevent diabetes to lowering the risk of liver disease.”

However, too much of anything can have its problems. The Mayo Clinic states: “consuming more than 500-600 mg of caffeine a day may lead to insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, an upset stomach, a fast heartbeat and even muscle tremors, and even moderate amounts of caffeine may lead to negative health effects.”

Knowing there are both risks and benefits to using coffee in the office or workplace, try the following tips to help you enjoy coffee in a healthy way.

5 Healthy Habits for Workplace Coffee Drinkers:

  1. Bring healthy sugar alternatives from home. Sugar can be a major culprit in the negative side effects of drinking coffee. The USNews suggests: cinnamon, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla or nut extracts, unsweetened vanilla almond or soy milk, coconut milk, and coconut cream as healthy sugar alternatives.
  2. Choose the best time of day to drink coffee. The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant, which may be great for staying alert, but could lead to trouble sleeping or insomnia if you drink too much or drink it too late in the work day. Try only having coffee at the beginning of your work day or see if you can make it until lunch before having your first coffee of the work day.
  3. Eat before you drink coffee. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach may actually be lowering your energy levels for the day. As PubMed.gov explains: your body releases insulin in response to caffeine, which causes a drop in blood sugar and leaves you feeling tired. To counter this, you should eat a meal either during or after your coffee consumption.
  4. Determine a healthy caffeine intake for your body. For healthy adults with no medical issues, Caffeine Informer suggests “300mg-400mg of caffeine (1-2 cups of coffee) can be consumed daily without any adverse effects.” However, not everyone is the same and outside factors (pregnancy, for example) should be considered, be sure to consult with your doctor about your needs.
  5. Take your coffee break with your co-workers. According to a MIT study: “employees who take coffee breaks together demonstrate an overall improvement in their productivity. These breaks create a forum within which employees can share both personal and work-related experiences. Allowing employees to take these breaks together showed a lift in overall performance.”

Hopefully these tips can help you enjoy coffee while remaining health conscious. For more guidance on all work related health and safety issues, visit SolutionsNW.com or Contact Us for more information.

Be sure to subscribe to our blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics consultants located in Washington State, Northern California, Oregon, Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and Portland.

Contact our Experts

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