Vision at work

Working on screens

More and more people are working on computers all day long, and many use mobiles, tablets and televisions on a regular basis.

• Working on a computer requires a great deal of attention, because you need to capture and select the information displayed, and certain good practices need to be applied in order to preserve your eyesight:
• Adapted visual correction should be worn if necessary. Regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist are essential.
  The lighting and position of the desk are important: the desk should not face or face away from the light. Room lighting should be indirect, and a desk lamp can illuminate the keyboard but not the screen.
• The screen should be large enough, and the contrast and brightness should be adjusted so as not to dazzle.
• Posture should also be appropriate: back straight, supported by a backrest; thighs parallel to the floor; feet flat; screen facing your head; gaze horizontal and 30 degrees down, not too close to the screen (50 to 70cm).
  It's also important to take breaks of 5 to 10 minutes every hour, to focus on something further away and rest your eyes.

You need to change your posture regularly.

When working at a computer screen, the eyes blink less frequently because they are fixated on the task in hand, which can lead to dry eyes.

Prolonged screen work can cause Computer Vision Syndrome.

Vision at work and legislation

Visual aptitude is an important factor in the exercise of a profession, particularly in certain occupations.

It is the occupational physician who assesses an employee's visual aptitude during statutory medical examinations (on recruitment and at regular check-ups).

A number of tests are systematically carried out:

• Measurement of distance visual acuity.
• Measurement of visual field.
• Measurement of colour vision.

Other tests are carried out depending on the profession (night vision, contrast vision, glare resistance, etc.).

Certain occupations require minimum levels of visual ability, with widely varying standards.

These professions include: airline pilots, transport professionals (road, sea and rail), fire service professionals, police officers, customs officers, peacekeepers and candidates for the Grandes Ecoles.

Details of visual skills by profession: Ophthalmologist