JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

What is computer vision syndrome?

You might think that on-the-job eye injuries have little to do with office workers. It only makes sense that those who work in the construction trades and manufacturing industries would have a high risk of injury to the eye. And, it is true that those who work in construction and manufacturing are more likely to suffer a workplace eye injury than those in other trades. However, a surprising amount of Pennsylvania office workers also suffer from eye injuries.

Sitting at a desk in an air-conditioned office doesn’t seem like it would be harmful to the eyes. The problem is that many of those who sit at a desk spend most of their workday staring at a computer screen. Using a computer for long hours can cause an eye disorder known as computer vision syndrome, or digital eyestrain.

Thirty-four percent of adults use computers and other digital devices to do most of their work. Computer vision syndrome is the most common, computer-related, repetitive-strain injury; it is even more common than tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms of computer vision syndrome

• Tiredness
• Red eyes
• Dry eyes
• Excessive tearing
• Sore eyes
• Burning in eyes
• Pain in and around the eyes
• Difficulty focusing the eyes
• Double vision
• Blurry vision
• Headache
• Pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and arms

How does using a computer cause injury to the eye?

Staring at a computer is very different from looking at a printed page. Digital content is created out of thousands of tiny pixels. This may be fine if you are using a high-resolution monitor, but letters can be blurry, distorted, or hard to distinguish if you are using old equipment, outdated software, or if there’s not enough contrast. Your eyes have to work extra hard.

Another problem is glare. Glare occurs when light from the computer screen enters your eyes. The light scatters within the eye and reduces the contrast of images. This makes the eyes work harder. New computer monitors often have glare reducing features, but older monitors, dirty screens, and bright overhead lights increase the amount of glare that reaches the eyes.

After a few hours of dealing with blurry images or glare, the computer user will begin to experience dry eyes and blurred vision. Continued eye strain can cause headaches and neck and back pain. The discomfort is worse if the employee’s work station is not set up in a way that is friendly to the body.

Computer vision syndrome in the Pennsylvania workplace

More than 70 percent of American adults have suffered some level of digital eyestrain. When eyestrain continues day after day, the fatigue, eye irritation, and vision problems can begin to interfere with the ability to work. You may find that simply turning on your computer causes your eyes to tear and burn, and you are unable to see the words on the screen at all. Your eyes may become so sensitive that it is impossible to read or watch TV. The double vision, blurriness, and dry eye may continue, even when you are away from your computer. The resulting vision loss can affect your ability to read or even drive.

Fortunately, computer vision syndrome is reversible. Your first step to relief is making an appointment with an ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist will examine your eyes to determine the cause of your symptoms. He may prescribe medications, and he may ask you to cut down or stop computer use for a few weeks or longer so your eyes can recover. If your job depends on computer use, you may be temporarily unable to work.

Your Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits should cover your medical treatment and a portion of your salary if you are unable to work because of severe computer vision syndrome or another work-related injury. You can learn more about your benefits in Your Guide To PA Workers’ Compensation. Request your free copy by following the link at the top of the page.

If you have questions about your rights, or if you’re having difficulty getting compensation from your employer, you may need the assistance of a Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorney. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, contact Mednick, Mezyk, and Kredo at 888-807-WORK.