Information for Computer Users

Under the 1993 Health & Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations, if you are classified as a VDU user, your employer must:

+ Provide a full eye examination free of charge to you when you commence VDU work and at regular intervals thereafter.

+ Provide a full eye examination free of charge to you if you are experiencing visual problems which may be due to working with VDU.

+ Pay for a pair of basic glasses if it is shown that you require these specifically for VDU use, or an equivalent amount of money towards a pair of your choice.

+ Provide adequate breaks or changes of activity to reduce general visual fatigue.

+ Provide health and safety training information relating to the workstation. Keep you informed about the Regulations, particularly those relating to eyesight, rest breaks and guidance on workstation minimum requirements.

Although there is no reliable evidence to suggest that even long-term intensive use of VDU’s is damaging to the eyes, it is true that VDU users tend to complain of eye strain more than non-users. This is likely to be due to fatigue through causes such as: Insufficient and infrequent rest periods; Incorrect positions of the screen and/or documents; Unsuitable lighting; Poorly designed work area; An uncorrected eyesight fault such as long sight, short sight, astigmatism or presbyopia; The eyes not working ‘as a team’. Any of these conditions could lead to fatigue; all can be overcome through good design of the working environment and by regular eyecare.

Helpful hints:

+ Take frequent breaks - every 20 minutes

+ Adjust your screen settings so that they are comfortable and keep your screen clean - free from dust and fingermarks.

+ Try to eliminate as much glare as possible from the region around your screen.