Does eyestrain affect productivity?

 

Currently it is known that the conditions caused by repetitive work and under certain conditions cause pathologies and damage that seem imperceptible, but that end up severely damaging the health of workers and their performance. This is the case of visual fatigue, which influences productivity: what is it and how to prevent it?

What we talk about when we talk about eyestrain

Ocular Fatigue Syndrome as it is officially known is a set of regular symptoms that make up a pathological picture that includes eye discomfort  — itching, burning, dryness, pain or tearing, visual disturbances  — blurred vision, difficulty focusing, etc. and other symptoms such as vertigo, nausea or headache. 

This is the set of visual problems and conditions caused by exposure of the eyes to certain light conditions that cause discomfort in the long term and that can lead to more serious problems. Currently, the conditions that most seem to cause this fatigue are  computers and electronic devices such as television screens, tablets and smartphones.

Indeed, it is among workers who use computers that the majority of cases are registered. Various authors of a study developed by the Scientific Program of the National School of Occupational Medicine called  Eye Fatigue Syndrome and its relationship with the work environment, warn about the relationship relationship between the workplace and the so-called syndrome. In fact, they consider it a risk factor that must be taken very seriously in the age of technology.

The authors maintain that there is a pronounced increase in cases of this type due to the “optimization of work teams”, which surely also has something to do with the migration of most commercial, administrative and management tasks to the digital medium. In other words, the overpopulation of screens in workstations plus massive digital migration is a phenomenon that worsens the symptoms.

Although there are some disparities in the results, the report indicates that the symptoms of the syndrome are often underestimated due to the strong presence of the devices in non-work environments. However, this is because the causes of the syndrome are continued exposure over a certain period of time. The consequences of similar working conditions often affect the body in other areas and create other physical pathologies.

Causes of Visual Fatigue Syndrome and how to prevent it

There are many causes related to this syndrome, although the main one is continuous exposure to an inadequate light source or a bright screen in which our eyes must constantly strive to focus correctly. Indeed, the constant efforts between different luminosities, and under low-performance or very white lights, forces the eye to retract the pupils and focus constantly, which effectively ends up producing particular exhaustion that becomes continuous discomfort and can result in more serious consequences.

Preventing this condition requires, first of all, recognizing that it is a serious problem that must be treated as such; that is, accept that we must change habits and strive to get away from screens sporadically and regularly, even in the work area. If necessary, confront our boss and explain the situation and seek solutions.

We must have patience and discipline, since, just as it happens when we first begin to perceive fatigue periodically,  the improvement will also be gradual and not very perceptible at first. In the end, the result can be compared to quitting smoking: we will feel that our energy is greater and that we can be more productive.

Regarding this last point, productivity does not necessarily mean spending all day glued to the computer screen. On the other hand, it supposes the optimization of time and the channelling of efforts. Indeed, it may be better to get up and stretch your back and legs and rest your eyes after a period of intense screen work.

If we can adequately manage our performance in front of the screen, we will respond better in the short, medium and long term. To achieve this objective, it is necessary to have adequate light and not only work with just the computer on. We must also avoid reflections and contrasts that force us to continually strain our eyes.

If we work in front of a computer most of the day, we may be interested in knowing where eyestrain comes from and how it affects productivity:  what it is and how to prevent it is not that difficult to find out, since, nowadays, we have all suffered to a greater or lesser extent its consequences.