Visual ergonomics in the workplace

Chapter 1. Windows to the world 1 Our ancestral eyes 1 The Information Age 2 An eye on the future 3 Chapter 2. The eye and visual system 5 Eyeball basics 5 How the eye works 6 Refractive errors 7 Seeing clearly now 10 Binocular vision 10 Visual skills for VDT users 11 The development of myopia 12 Chapter 3. Your workspace and your eyes 15 Defining visual ergonomics 15 Visual stress at your job 17 Viewing distances and angles 17 Body posture and vision 19 Office lighting 20 Chapter 4. Visual perception and VDTs 23 Introduction 23 Of CRTs and LCDs 23 Display screen variables 26 Purchasing a monitor 31 Chapter 5. Computer Vision Syndrome 37 Introduction 37 Eyestrain 38 Headaches 38 Blurred vision 39 Dry and irritated eyes 40 Neck and/or backache 42 Light sensitivity 44 Double vision 45 After-images and color distortion 45 Chapter 6. Vision examinations 49 Introduction 49 The traditional eye examination 50 The occupational vision examination 51 VDT and vision questionnaire 51 Vision screenings 52 vi Visual ergonomics in the workplace Chapter 7. Vision in industry 55 Introduction 55 The cost of eye injuries 55 Industrial vision requirements 56 Industrial eye protection 58 Contact lens concerns 60 Chapter 8. Computing for the visually impaired 63 Introduction 63 Working with visually impaired employees 64 How blind persons use computers 65 Low vision eye wear 67 The Internet 67 Resources 68 Chapter 9. Remedies 69 Introduction 69 Reflections and glare 69 Workplace conditions 72 Brightness, contrast and color 78 Work habits 79 Computer glasses 80 Eye exercises 84 Chapter 10. General eye care tips 93 Introduction 93 Stress and vision 93 Eye health concerns 95 Aging factors 96 Computers and contacts 97 Vitamins and VDTs 98 General body exercises 99 Chapter 11. The economics of visual ergonomics 101 Introduction 101 Cost justification for ergonomics 101 Providing eye care to employees 103 Chapter 12. Ergonomic standards 107 Introduction 107 The Americans with Disabilities Act 107 Technical standards 110 The current state of ergonomic legislation 112 The EC directives 114 Chapter 13. Epilogue 117 Appendix A VDT workplace questionnaire 119 Appendix B Occupational vision requirements questionnaire 121 Appendix C Resources for the blind and visually impaired 123 Appendix D Computer access products for blind and visually impaired users 131 Appendix E Anti-glare screens 137 Appendix F Additional resources 139 Appendix G California Ergonomic Standard