Visual Appeal

Saturday 12 September 2009.

Visual Appeal

I n line with last fortnight's article which spoke about postural cor­rections, visual ergonomics also plays a vital role in combating stress. Visual ergonomics covers topics like office ambience lighting placement of the computer monitor using appropriate powered lenses, etc.

Human eyes and natural lighting are a blessing to us. However, in a typical office atmosphere, where one has to constantly stare at the monitor for prolonged hours, a controlled indirect lighting is preferred. When natural lighting inter­feres with the con­trolled lighting of the enclosed environment, it puts tremendous strain on the eye by dilating the pupils on and off which indeed, creates enormous strain on the eyes. This stress is gradually transferred to the neck and other parts of the body.

 But with controlled indirect light­ing (concealed lighting) the light spreads evenly, keeping the pupil dilation variation at the minimal level which reduces computer monitor glares.

Using an 18-inch-plus monitor also reduces stress on the eyes. I recommend a minimum of 24 inches (2 feet) distance from a TFT, LCD or LED monitor and 28 inches or-more in the case of conventional old tube monitors.

Individuals using catalogues or books simultaneously with comput­ers can place them in the same angle as the monitor, next to the screen and adjust the distance to be able to refer to the printed material comfortably. A word of caution here - it is best to change the position of the book from right to left and vice-versa every 20 minutes to avoid strain to the eyes and neck. I further recommend tilting the monitor back so that the top is further away from the eyes than the bottom. This not only reduces the load on your eyes but also the cervical (neck) and the lumbar region (lower back).

Again, I strongly recommend that you keep the curtains / blinds in the office closed till evening so that the indirect lighting from the ceiling supplements the inconsistent natural lighting.

Ergonomics seeks to adapt the work environment to individual capabilities and limitations. The results should increase productivity, user satisfaction, and reduce risk of injury.