Everything you need to know about screen work

In the modern work environment, employees often spend long hours in front of a monitor. This prolonged exposure to digital devices can lead to eye fatigue, headaches, and visual discomfort. Happy Bidding prescription computer glasses an effective solution for improving viewing comfort and improving workplace performance.

Sharper images and lower eye strain

Prescription glasses are specifically designed to help the eyes look at digital screens such as computers, laptops, and tablets. These glasses offer personalized correction for individual eye disorders such as myopia, farsightedness or astigmatism, giving the user an optimal view of the screen. By wearing prescription glasses, employees can enjoy sharper images, reduced eye strain and improved visual comfort during their working day.

Staring at a screen for a long time can lead to physical complaints, ranging from RSI to eye problems, known as computer eyes. In this blog, we dive into the importance of a well-organized workplace and regular exercise to reduce health risks. Discover practical tips and key legal insights that help you stay both productive and healthy in the digital world.

What is screen work?

Monitor work includes tasks that are performed using monitors, such as the work of an office worker sitting at the computer for work. This does not include devices with displays that are not an integral part of the workplace, such as a mobile phone.

Working on the screen involves repetitive movements of the fingers and hands, as well as static stress on the neck, shoulders and arms. This can lead to the development of OPPORTUNITY (Arm, Neck and Shoulder Complaints or RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). In addition, working at a computer can lead to eye and stress complaints.

Displays are used in almost all companies. Working with a monitor for a long time (more than 6 hours a day) can cause health problems. The risk of health problems due to computer work is therefore present in almost all sectors. It is therefore wise not to exceed the limit of 6 hours a day to reduce the risk of these complaints.

Also read our in-depth article about work ergonomically by FrankWatching

The facts about screen work

From the factsheet TNO's VDU it appears that 45% of the Dutch do at least six hours a day of screen work. This is even 89% of the home workers due to Corona and most do not take regular breaks, only 36% do. 43% of the home workers have therefore suffered from RSI complaints/OPPORTUNITIES in the past year. This includes pain in the neck, shoulders, back, arms or hands.

In order to prevent physical complaints and dropouts, attention to the workplace is also needed. It must be easily adjustable and - more importantly - invite you to get moving.

What is sufficient exercise and how do you do that?

Unfortunately, occasional jogging or a visit to the fitness club is not enough if you spend the rest of the day mainly sitting. Even if you're very active, you can still have a higher risk of health problems if you spend a lot of time sitting. Only daily, intensive training can counteract the harmful effects of sitting for long periods of time. But since daily intense exercise isn't for everyone, it could also be easier: make sure you exercise several times a day.

• Start the day with exercise. Take a short walk or do some exercise.
• Alternate sitting work with standing work.
• Walk during phone calls.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
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What does the Working Conditions Act say about screen work?

In the Netherlands, the Working Conditions Act, better known as the Working Conditions Act, in force. This law requires the employer to proactively ensure a safe and healthy working environment for employees.

If the employee is involved in computer work, the Working Conditions Act states that you must offer this employee an occupational health examination. This research aims to identify health risks in the workplace. After completing this research, you can take further steps to promote safety and health. This may include adapting the work environment or providing tools to help reduce symptoms.

This law requires the employer to proactively ensure a safe and healthy working environment for employees.

It is important to closely follow the guidelines of the Working Conditions Act to ensure the health and well-being of employees. Good compliance with this law not only contributes to employee productivity and satisfaction, but also to a positive work culture.

Eye problems due to computer work (computer eyes)

Our life is no longer imaginable without the computer. But when we look at the screen a lot, our eyes can bother us. Reflections, reflections, low contrast and blurry images make reading from a monitor very hard on the eyes. We also tend to blink less when we look at a monitor. If this causes complaints, we call this computer eyes.

What are the symptoms of computer eyes?

• Tired eyes
• Dry, irritated eyes
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Difficulty in focusing

The complaints are usually temporary. Blinking your eyes a few times can often solve the problems. But the complaints can also become structural. If someone has sore eyes, is tired and has a headache for a long time, this - in combination with other complaints and illnesses - can lead to failure.

Prescription computer glasses are designed to reduce these discomforts. The right lens strength ensures optimal eye focus at the distance from the screen, reducing the strain on the eye muscles. This results in a reduction in eye fatigue and headache, allowing employees to work more productively and comfortably.

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Tips to prevent eye problems caused by working at a computer

1. Set up your workspace properly

• Monitor: Make sure your monitor is at eye level so you can look straight ahead without bending your neck. The top of the screen should be at or just below eye level.
• Chair: Use an ergonomic chair that supports you well. The chair must be height-adjustable so that your feet are flat on the ground and your knees are bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees.
• Keyboard and mouse: Place your keyboard and mouse at a comfortable distance so that your elbows can rest at an angle of approximately 90 degrees.

2. Take regular breaks

• Micro breaks: Take a short break of 30 seconds to 1 minute every 20-30 minutes to stretch or walk around.
• Move: Get up every 1-2 hours and walk around for a few minutes. This promotes blood circulation and prevents stiffness.

3. Movement and stretch

• Neck stretch: Bend your head slowly forward, backward, and to either side to stretch your neck muscles.
• Shoulder roll: Roll your shoulders forward and backward a few times to relieve tension.
• Back stretch: Stand up and stretch your arms above your head, then bend over and try to touch your toes.

4. Maintain a good posture

• Sit up straight: Make sure you sit up with your back against the back of the chair. Avoid leaning or hanging.
• Support: Optionally, use a pillow or lumbar support to provide extra support for your lower back.

5. Use ergonomic aids

• Document holder: Use a document holder to place documents at eye level next to your monitor.
• Wrist rests: Consider using wrist rests for your keyboard and mouse to reduce pressure on your wrists.

6. Good lighting

• Make sure your workplace has sufficient lighting to prevent eye fatigue. This also helps maintain a better posture at work.

By applying these tips, you can reduce neck and shoulder problems and promote a healthier working position. Remember that small adjustments can make a big difference to your long-term comfort and health.
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Ensure a good workplace

A good workplace is different for everyone, but it must be set up in the right way.

With these six tips, you can optimally set up your workspace for screen work:‍

1. Make sure you have a good adjustable office chair.
2. Make sure you have a desk that is adjustable in height.
3. The monitor must be directly in front of the user and the top of the monitor at eye level.
4. Hold the mouse close to the keyboard and control it from your elbow/forearm.‍‍
5. Make sure you have plenty of variety and relax from time to time.
6. Provide good lighting around your workplace to reduce eye strain. Prevent direct light on your screen and minimize reflections. If possible, use computer glasses.

Time spent working on the screen

The Working Conditions Decree states that screen work must be alternated after 2 hours. This way, we aim to ensure that you do not sit in front of your screen all day.

To alternate every 2 hours, you can choose to:

• can be alternated with other activities (so no work on the screen)
• to alternate with a break

Use the 20-20-2 rule (pause):

After looking up close for 20 minutes, take a break to look away for 20 seconds and come out for at least 2 hours a day.

Can computer glasses help prevent the symptoms?

Prescription computer glasses contribute to improving workplace ergonomics. With the right lens strength, employees can see the screen better without having to bend or stretch their heads too much. This promotes better posture and reduces stress on the neck and shoulders, reducing the risk of pain and discomfort.

Corrected computer glasses provide a clear view on your computer, tablet or smartphone, regardless of your eye strength. Thanks to the specially designed glass, your eyes don't have to work as hard, which reduces fatigue. In addition, the glasses help you to take a relaxed position while using screens, which increases your working comfort, whether you're working from home or in the office. Computer glasses are therefore an excellent choice to prevent or limit physical discomfort.

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Are there computer glasses without strength?

There are no computer glasses without strength. A pair of computer glasses without strength is a blue light filter glasses.
A monitor emits light, including blue light. This light is also found in daylight and in the light of LED lamps. Blue light is not harmful, but it can make watching on a monitor for long periods of time less comfortable.
Thanks to blue light filter glasses, your eyes experience more rest when looking at a computer screen. The lenses have a filter that repels part of the blue light from a screen and provides a more comfortable view. This is especially nice when you work in front of a monitor for several hours a day.

What is the Better Behind Your Scenes (BAS) checklist?

Better Behind the Scenes (BASS) is a checklist from TNO to help companies and employees use screens to organize their work in a healthy way. The checklist is easy to apply, most questions are yes-no questions. The method is intended for employees who spend an average of more than two hours per day in front of a screen. The results of the evaluation indicate whether the work involves health risks and which specific recommendations and areas for improvement can lower your risk. Furthermore, general tips are also provided that are useful for everyone to consider.

Achieving a healthy work environment is a shared responsibility of both the employer and the employees.

Employers provide the preconditions and employees make daily decisions about their work performance in the workplace, both consciously and unconsciously. This includes preparing the workspace, taking breaks, using available resources and identifying bottlenecks. To make these decisions in the right way and in a “consciously healthy” way, it is necessary to be aware of the risks of your own situation and to have insight into the solutions. The goal of BAS is to help employees do this by making them aware of their personal risks and suggestions for improvement that are appropriate to those risks.

Which situations fall under the BAS checklist?

The method can be used to evaluate work done behind a monitor. Since most computer work is done while sitting, the checklist also takes into account the dangers associated with sitting for long periods of time. And the checklist evaluates screen time that's relevant to work in general.

In leisure time, it is also common to spend a lot of time in front of screens. It is important to be aware of the same risks that also apply to the use of screens in private circumstances. Therefore, ensure sufficient variety even outside working hours, a suitable workplace at home and stay attentive to the first signs of possible complaints.

Want to know more about the BAS checklist?

The BAS checklist can be found on the TNO website.

Conclusion

Prescription computer glasses are an essential investment for employees who spend a lot of time in front of a monitor. They offer numerous benefits, including reduced eye fatigue, headache relief, improved ergonomics and a stylish look. By opting for prescription computer glasses, employees can enjoy better viewing comfort, increased productivity and a healthy work environment.

‍Does it appear that you need prescription computer glasses? 

At Seeh, we're here to help you find the perfect monitor glasses. Check out our computer glasses page for more information or contact us directly contact with us.

When you order prescription glasses from Seeh, you can use the service at any Hans Anders store near you. Seeh works exclusively with Hans Anders to make hearing and seeing affordable and safe for everyone.‍‍