Eyes

Nearsightedness

Clinical names for this condition: Myopia

What is it?

This relates to having good vision up close, but have trouble seeing things in the distance. The image in the distance will look blurred.

Site/Area of pain

Eyes

Type of pain/Symptoms

Poor distance vision

Most Common Occupational Related Causes

Constantly focusing on things close to you (i.e. computers, PDA’s, SmartPhones)

Conservative measures of treatment consist of;

Visit an eye specialist for their recommendations

Glasses, contact lenses, or surgery may be suggested.

Review the ergonomic suggestions below.

Ergonomic Suggestions;

After reading for 30 minutes, take a 1 – 2 minutes break and focus on things in the distance to relax your eyes.

Make sure there is enough indirect light in your work area, and try to avoid your desk facing a wall.

Farsightedness

Clinical names for this condition: Presbyopia

What is it?

This relates to having good vision for distance viewing, but have trouble viewing up close. The image up close will look blurred.

Site/Area of pain

Eyes

Type of pain/Symptoms

Poor close vision

Most Common Occupational Related Causes

No definite cause, some people may be born with farsightedness, where others may get it as they get older.

Conservative measures of treatment consist of;

Visit an eye specialist for their recommendations.

Prescription glasses may be recommended.

Ergonomic Suggestions;

Exercising your eyes a few times a day by focusing up close and then focusing on something in the distance (at least 10 metres away), and then focusing up close again.

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Astigmatism

Clinical names for this condition: Astigmatism

What is it?

Astigmatism is a form of visual impairment in which part of the vision is blurred, due to an irregularity in the curvature in front of the eye (cornea).

Site/Area of pain

Eyes

Type of pain/Symptoms

Blurred vision either near or far distances.

Headaches

Fatigue

Eye strain

Most Common Occupational Related Causes

Can be heredity and present at birth.

Other causes can be from pressure from the eyelids on the cornea.

Incorrect posture.

Increased close work using your eyes.

Conservative measures of treatment consist of;

Visit an eye specialist for an eye exam and their recommendations.

Medication and/ or surgery may be recommended.

Ergonomic Suggestions;

Check that your posture is correct for your work environment.

Take rest breaks every now and then when reading for extended periods of time and use your eyes to focus and different things around you.

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