| Computer Users, your eyes are overworked because they have to read Refreshing Pixels, while at the same time processing all the visual information from the environment in your visual field, including Direct and Indirect Glare ("Visual Noise").
Computer work is visually demanding, "the task is equivalent of subjecting your eyes to 60 pushups a minute".
Also, viewing a screen at about eye level results in a maximum area of the eye being exposed, which allows the maximum evaporation of tears. Finally, office environments, which are typically dry, also promote the evaporation of tears.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, "there is not convincing scientific evidence that monitors are damaging to the eyes. No clinical evidence indicates that computers cause long- term vision problems. However, these monitors are associated with eyestrain, including eye irritation, fatigue and difficulty focusing. Though experts don’t believe the syndrome causes permanent damage, it’s not something to be ignored, they say. Even temporary impairments can be bothersome, leading to discomfort and lower productivity."
According to the American Optometric Association, "despite the greater frequency of vision and eye problems, more public and professional attention is usually given to the musculoskeletal disorders found in the wrist, neck, shoulder and back. One reason for this is that vision problems are primarily temporary and usually are gone by the next day, whereas the musculoskeletal problems generally persist for a longer period of time, officials said."
Standards organizations, such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) have issued formal recommendations for effective lighting for the computer environment.
A number of investigators have indicated that visual symptoms occur in 75 to 90 per cent of all Video Display Terminal (VDT) users. A study released by NIOSH shows that "only 22 percent of all VDT users have musculoskeletal disorders, contrary to the popular perception of the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders".
In a study conducted by the Department of Human Factors Engineering, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, results showed "visual strain occurred after 60 minutes of VDT task".
An attempt to quantify the drop in productivity by the Department of Social Medicine and Health, National University of Singapore, put the figure at a whopping 37%.
The SOLA wesite states that "almost 71% of those reporting symptoms wore glasses".
Nationwide survey of optometrists conducted by James Sheedy, Ph.D., in 1991, showed that “conventional treatments, such as prescription lenses or spectacle design changes, alleviated only a portion of the problem, the remaining issues being directly related to the Computer Work Environment.”
Those issues consist of Direct Glare from ceiling lights, desk lamps, windows etc… Reflected Glare from reflective surfaces like shiny desktops etc..., and from the lenses of eyeglasses that shine light coming from behind into the wearer’s eye from a close proximity, and reflections that bounce back and forth till infinity between lenses and any other reflective surfaces in the surrounding. Also, Discomfort Glare resulting from disparities in brightness in the field of vision.
Computer users have been seeking protection for their eyes. Most of them have tried all the solutions available in the marketplace today, and they realize that they desperately need something better. Their eyes are being overworked and that is leading to fatigue, absenteeism and loss of productivity.
FINALLY, HERE IS THE REAL SOLUTION TO ALL THESE ISSUES!
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