September 22, 2006
Did you know...?
Improving eye care and vision can enhance worker productivity. Many tasks are completed at a close viewing distance and under a wide range of workplace conditions. To perform at maximum potential, an individual’s visual system must adapt to the different conditions faced in the workplace.
More than 76 million working adults use a computer at work. 70-75% of computer workers report that eye and vision problems are the most frequently reported health-related problems from working on a computer. Most studies indicate that visual symptoms occur in 75-90% or computer workers. The American Optometric Association has coined the term “Computer Vision Syndrome” to describe the eye and vision problems experienced during near work or computer use. Symptoms occur because the visual demands of the task exceed the visual abilities of the individual to comfortably perform the task.
Typical symptoms experienced are eyestrain, headaches, blurred distance or near vision, dry or red eyes, neck and/or backache, double vision, and light sensitivity. Contributing factors are a combination of improper workplace conditions, poor work habits and existing refractive errors. Lighting, vision and posture are all interrelated factors. People are generally visually directed and they will alter body posture to alleviate stress on the eyes. The altered body posture can then lead to a number of musculoskeletal problems.
The visual symptoms experienced in the workplace can largely be resolved with proper management of the work environment and by providing proper vision care for the employee. Factors in the workplace that may contribute to eye problems include: lighting geometry and quantity; screen reflections; glare from windows or overhead lights; higher viewing angle of monitor; dry office environment; poor screen design; and poor visual arrangement of the workstation. An evaluation of the lighting in the workplace can be instrumental in improving workplace conditions. Many eye and vision problems can be resolved through management of the visual environment.
Often visual problems can be addressed by using effective workstation design practices, providing adequate lighting and lighting control, and ensuring that employees receive appropriate eye care. Employees should be encouraged to undergo regular eye exams just as they are encouraged to undergo regular physical exams.
Research shows that vision deficits – particularly uncorrected vision – result in 4-9% productivity loss. Further research shows a favorable cost/benefit ratio of 2.3 or greater for the visual correction of an employee. Providing for good visual health for employees makes good economic sense for employers.
To learn more about how OHS-COMPCARE contact our Client Services Team at (816) 561-2105 or by e-mail at customerservice@ohscompcare.com. You can also visit us at www.ohscompcare.com.
*Please feel free to forward this information to any member of management in your company who would benefit from it.*
OHS-COMPCARE has eight (8) area clinical facilities:
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Blue Springs Clinical Facility |
Independence Clinical Facility |
Johnson County Clinical Facility |
St. Joseph Clinical Facility |
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801 NW St. Mary’s Drive |
17020 East 40 Highway |
10415 Lackman Road |
904 Edmond Street |
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Blue Springs, MO 64104 |
Independence, MO 64055 |
Lenexa, KS 66219 |
St. Joseph, MO 64501 |
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816-224-9121 |
816-478-9299 |
913-495-9905 |
816-233-7702 |
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*New Extended Hours* |
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KCMO/Broadway Clinical Facility |
KCMO/Front Street Clinical Facility |
Wyandotte County Clinical Facility |
Grandview Clinical Facility ***now open*** |
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1650 Broadway |
6501 East Commerce, Suite 110 |
1333 Meadowlark Lane, Suite 200 |
13830 S Us Highway 71 |
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Kansas City, MO 64108 |
Kansas City, MO 64120 |
Kansas City, KS 66102 |
Grandview, MO 64030 |
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816-842-2020 |
816-483-5550 |
913-596-2774 |
816-761-4664 |