Visual Ergonomics

Ways to Alleviate Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

in Indian Working Professionals
Visual Ergonomics - Ways to Alleviate Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in Indian Working Professionals

Abstract

Vision problems have increased in recent years, owing

to excessive use of digital screens at work and home, be
it the computer or mobile phones. The increased
duration of computer and mobile-viewing experience
has led to the development of several eye issues,
ranging from visual fatigue and headaches to more
complicated problems like dry eyes, blurred vision,
double vision, irritation, watering, and so on.

This exclusive study by Godrej Interio’s Workspace &

Ergonomics Research Cell aims to shed some light on
the recurrent Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) among
the Indian workforce, as well as offer suggestions to
reduce the same. These effective suggestions range
from simple eye exercises and altering illumination levels
in the workspace to regular and proper assessment and
evaluation of employees’ visual status. In this regard, it
digs deeper into the scientific causes of most vision
problems and provides explanations for each to help
office goers understand how to take good care of their
eyes and maintain proper eye hygiene.

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Visual Ergonomics - Ways to Alleviate Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in Indian Working Professionals
Introduction
Digitization is at its fastest pace in today’s scenario and
the use of laptops/computers as a primary tool at
workplaces, academic institutions and homes has
become the need of the hour. The use of these gadgets
has made our lives simpler and efficient with easy
access to information and communication with others.
People are spending more time on screens not only for
work but also for entertainment. However, prolonged
use of these gadgets comes with its own set of
disadvantages.
Eye-related problems are reported as the most common
health problem after musculoskeletal disorders, among
computer users. Increased screen time has resulted in an
increasing number of people complaining of eye strain,
headache, visual fatigue, and distraction-related
symptoms. This condition of a person experiencing one
or more of these eye symptoms because of operating a
computer is generally referred to as computer vision
syndrome (CVS)
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A complicated vision-related problem, CVS mainly
arises from the habit of using computers for long hours. It
causes repetitive strain on the eye because of staring at
the computer screen constantly.
Activity analysis of computer work shows frequent eye
movements from work documents to the computer
screen or from the screen to the keyboard and back.
These movements occur repeatedly during computer
work. In all this, the eye keeps changing its focus to
maintain a clear image of the object. Aspects of the
computer screen like the size of the screen, resolution,
contrast, flicker, and glare have an additional impact on
visual comfort.
Experts believe that when a person spends more than
two or three hours, looking at the screen continuously, it
lowers the blink rate. This reduced blink rate leads to
dryness in the eyes and brings in a series of
complications associated with increased screen time.
Visual Ergonomics - Ways to Alleviate Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in Indian Working Professionals

The symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome

have been divided broadly into four categories:

Asthenopia
eye strain, tired eyes, sore eyes

Ocular surface related

watering, irritation, dry eye

Visual
blurred vision, slowness of focus change, double vision

Extra ocular
neck pain, back ache, shoulder pain

Studies also suggest that the flexibility of the lens within
the eye gradually decreases with age resulting in a
condition called presbyopia. This affects most people
after about age 40. As a result, individuals are unable to
adequately focus on near work and computer screens
without proper specs.
Office goers have increasingly started complaining of
these symptoms. Concerns have been expressed about
their potential ill-effects on health, complaints including
excessive fatigue, eye strain and irritation, blurred
vision, headaches, and neck pain. These symptoms are
further likely to be aggravated because of personal and
environmental risk factors like illumination, workstation
ergonomics, posture, and user behaviour.
This paper aims to detail the ergonomic risk factors at
workplaces to prevent computer vision syndrome. It
suggests an approach of assessment, correction, and
prevention for employee wellbeing at the workplace
and tips to mitigate visual problems amongst office
goers.

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Visual Ergonomics - Ways to Alleviate Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in Indian Working Professionals

Methodology & Findings

Godrej Interio’s Workspace & Ergonomics research cell
audits several corporate across India as a part of the
Ergonomics and Wellness assessment for their clients.
For this study, we collated data gathered while doing
these assessments over 3 years from 2016 – 2019. We
analysed work profiles, gadget usage trends, and the
postures of more than 500 individuals. As the
illumination levels in the workplaces have a tremendous
impact on the visual wellbeing of the employees, we
correlated the same for an effective analysis.
Although it has not been proven that computer work
causes permanent eye damage, when gadget usage is
clubbed with Personal factors (uncorrected visual
problems and age) & Environmental factors (lighting,
ergonomics, and workplace design), it causes visual
pain symptoms which leads to Computer Vision
Syndrome. A key challenge is the lack of awareness
about these factors and the issues arising out of it. These
issues can impact employee wellbeing and reduce
productivity in the long term.

Office employees spend

65% reported eye-strain
at least 6 hours per day looking
and vision problems
at a computer screen

47% had headaches and fatigue

23% suffered from watery eyes

01 | Excessive screen exposure

Indians are spending long hours at work, with an
average of 8-9 hours. Most of this time they are exposed
to gadget screens like those of laptops or Smartphones.
The study revealed that 70% of employees spend 6-9
hours every day in front of their gadget screens.

Smartphone usage at a stretch

The average viewing time at a stretch while using a
desktop was 2.5-3 hours and 1.5 hours while using a
25% spend 1 hr.
laptop. Unlike laptops, desktop computers are wired
gadgets with connected peripherals like a monitor,
keyboard, and mouse where the user tends to sit more 58% spend 30-45 mins.

while using it.

79% spend 4-6 hours

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Visual Ergonomics - Ways to Alleviate Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in Indian Working Professionals

Desktop Users Laptop Users

47% spend more than 1.5 hrs.

28% spend 8 hrs. a day

34% spend 6-7 hrs. in a day

56% spend more than 3 hrs.

20% spend 8 hr in a day

34% spend 3-4 hrs in a day

02 | Inappropriate illumination levels

68% of workstations in Indian offices

are improperly illuminated

58% had ‘not enough’ illumination

42% had excessive illumination

Adequate lighting ensures enough illumination for
people to see printed, handwritten, or computer-
displayed content clearly without getting blinded by
excessive lighting. On the other hand, an overly brightly-
lit room or dim lighting, big, open windows or overhead
lights create a washout effect on the digital screens.
Illumination levels were measured across the workspace
using a LUX Meter. Multiple Measurements were taken
between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.to consider the impact of
natural light on the workspace.
While the ideal illumination levels in the office
workspaces should be around 250 LUX to 500 LUX, our
observations revealed that 68% of workstations are
plagued by improper illumination. Of this, 58% had ‘not
enough’ illumination while the other 42% were marked
by excessive illumination.
In many cases Lux levels were observed to be higher, i.e.
1000-1200 LUX and above for the workstations near
glass windows. This is much higher than the
recommended norms. On the flipside, workstations or
cubicles placed in the corner of the office or away from
the window had their LUX level in the range of 100 – 120
LUX which is very low. Both excessive and inadequate
illumination can cause severe strain to the user’s vision.

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Visual Ergonomics - Ways to Alleviate Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in Indian Working Professionals
03 | Glare on the screen
04 | Monitor placement – Workstation Ergonomics
A monitor placed in the wrong position can affect neck
posture and can cause extra ocular pain symptoms like
the neck, upper back, and shoulder pain.
Several factors need to be assessed carefully while
placing the monitor. Many users tend to keep the
monitor screen on the hard case/CPU. The Laptop may
be placed on an incorrect stand. This increases the
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Glare is usually defined as a harsh, uncomfortably bright
light on the object of work. It is dependent upon the
intensity, size, angle of incidence, luminance, and
proximity of the source to the line of sight. Glare can arise
because of direct sources of light in the visual field (e.g.
the windows), light reflected from polished surfaces
(e.g., keyboards), or diffused reflections that affect
contrast levels (e.g., improper task lighting). It may
cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual
performance and visibility. After long hours of suffering a
glare effect, the employee can experience visual fatigue
and musculoskeletal problems like neck pain resulting
from constantly changing posture to see the screen
better.
height at which the screen is placed. This forces the user
to extend the neck (backward bend ) for the line of sight.
Also, individuals who wear corrective lenses for reading
or close work (e.g., bifocals, trifocals, and progressive
lenses) find it difficult to keep the monitor placement at
eye level. This also causes the neck posture to extend,
affecting the viewing angle.
Visual Ergonomics - Ways to Alleviate Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in Indian Working Professionals
Viewing distance refers to the space between the user’s eyes and the screen
Viewing Angle
10-15 degree tilt
Horizontal
Line
of s
ight
Two factors that are important to consider in monitor
placement are viewing angle and viewing distance.
Viewing angle refers to the degree above or below an
imaginary horizontal line at the level of the user’s eyes
and the centre of the computer screen. Viewing distance
refers to the space between the user’s eyes and the
screen.
A poor viewing angle leads to postural (neck and
shoulders) discomfort, while the wrong distance can
contribute to eyestrain.
05 | Uncorrected vision problems
Persistent complaints like dry eyes, blurred, double
vision, or even headache experienced by users should
be evaluated by an Optometrist or an ophthalmologist.
Uncorrected farsightedness, or hyperopia, which is
commonly known as astigmatism or presbyopia may
increase visual stress on the eye. A proper diagnosis and
correction can significantly reduce eye fatigue and
other CVS symptoms. For example, employees who are
in their 40s may struggle with prolonged reading, owing
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Viewing Distance
To avoid such issues one needs to adjust height, angle
and distance of the monitor screen. Distance of monitor
screen should be one arm reach from the user , angle of
the screen should be maintained at a slight tilt of 10-15
degree and height of the desk & chair in a way that the
monitor is placed at the same level as the keyboard.
While organizing the workstation, it should be kept in
mind that a monitor placed too high (above the
horizontal level) causes more discomfort than one
placed slightly lower than an acceptable visual zone.
to presbyopia, and may need some “plus lens”
correction. Patients with dry eye may also complain of
blurred vision which can be corrected after wearing
proper computer glasses.
Excessive exposure to the gadget screen for extended
periods can have a physical and physiological impact
on the health & wellbeing of employee.
Visual Ergonomics - Ways to Alleviate Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in Indian Working Professionals
Physical impact of screen time:
The Physiological impact of screen time:
Irregular sleep patterns
Studies link heavy computer and mobile phone usage
with sleep disturbances. Staring at screens for too long
suppresses sleep-promoting melatonin which can affect
the regular sleep pattern. The poor quality of sleep can
l e a d to i r r i ta b l e b e h a v i o u r a t wo r k , i m p a c t
concentration, and, in extreme cases, lead to stress &
insomnia.
Overall health.
Most of the time when employees are staring at a
computer screen they are sitting and physically inactive
for longer periods every day. This may lead to higher
rates of obesity, cardiac issues, and type-2 diabetes.
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Vision issues
Staring at the digital screen for long hours can cause
computer vision syndrome, or CVS, as mentioned earlier.
It reduces the blink rate resulting in dry eyes.
When the eyes become dry it reduces the reading
speed, which further increases exposure time and results
in inflammation, eye strain, and headache.
Chronic neck and back pain
While viewing a gadget screen, the neck is placed in a
certain posture depending on the distance of the user
from the screen. Maintaining any posture for more than
30 minutes at a stretch builds static load in the muscles
resulting in a change of alignment of the spine. This can
induce a poor posture in the person. Increased screen
time combined with poor postures can cause chronic
neck, shoulder and back pain.
All these risk factors can cause many problems for
employees, their health, and wellness. This can reduce
overall work performance. It is therefore important to
mitigate the same by the all-inclusive management of
the work environment and employee behaviour.
Visual Ergonomics - Ways to Alleviate Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in Indian Working Professionals
How To Prevent Computer Vision Syndrome
A) Behavioural Modifications
Eye examination should be part of the annual health
check-up
Having a routine comprehensive eye exam is the most
important thing one can consider to prevent or treat
computer vision problems. During the eye examination,
the workers must tell the doctor how often they use a
computer at work and at home. This is especially
important if they wear contact lenses, which can
become dry and uncomfortable during computer work,
or when using bifocals or progressives, which may not
be optimized for computer distances.
Take frequent Eye Breaks
One must limit the amount of time spent in front of the
gadgets. It is important to take visual breaks from
computer work and look away from the screen to allow
the eye muscles to relax and for the eyes to rehydrate.
Employees could follow the 20-20-20 rule : Look away
from the screen after every 20 minutes at something
which is around 20 feet away for about 20 seconds.
Frequent work breaks will help the eye muscles to relax,
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decrease eye fatigue and headache.
Remember to Blink
Poor lighting and excessive focus while looking at the
computer screen results in reduced blinking, dryness,
and irritation in the eyes. While working on the
computer, it is advisable to build a habit of blinking
consistently after reading 2-3 paragraphs of text to
reduce the risk of dry eyes. This will cleanse and maintain
the moisture level in the eyes. Employees must also wash
their eyes regularly with cold water and wipe it with a
clean cloth, avoid rubbing and maintain eye hygiene at
all times.
Practice some simple eye exercises
A few simple exercises can go a long way in helping to
prevent CVS. By palming your eyes, blinking repeatedly
and practising some easy techniques to improve blood
circulation to the eye, you can keep these vision
problems at bay.
Visual Ergonomics - Ways to Alleviate Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in Indian Working Professionals

Take a look at the images closely to understand the following eye exercises better:

Palming technique

01 02 03

Sit Quietly & Rub the palms until Place the palms gently
Close your eyes they became warm over the eyelids

Eye muscle exercises to improve blood circulation & reduce fatigue

- Rotate eyeballs 10 circles to left - Rotate eyeballs 10 circles to right - Close your eyes as tightly as your can
- Blink your eyes - Blink your eyes - Hold 5 Seconds, then relax

- Cross your eyes by looking at the tip of your nose - Open your eyes wide open
- Look up at your eyebrows and then back to the tip the nose - Hold 5 Seconds, then relax
- Relax your eyes, Repeat 5 times, Blink your eyes - Repeat 10 times, Blink your eyes

Zooming technique to improve visual acuity

10 - 15 Seconds 10 - 15 Seconds 10 - 15 Seconds

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Visual Ergonomics - Ways to Alleviate Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in Indian Working Professionals
B) Environmental Modifications
Appropriate Illumination
Strike the right balance between natural and artificial
light. Working in a poorly-lit environment or inadequate
viewing conditions may lead to eye squint. This is the
natural reaction of eye muscles under poor conditions to
cut down on the brightness of the source and get the
image into focus to see well. The light should be directed
so that it does not shine into the person's eyes when the
user is looking at the display screen. It should be
Cabin
300 - 500 lux
Cafeteria
200 - 300 lux
Illuminance
Levels for
Locker Room
100 - 300 lux
Conference Room
300 - 500 lux
While working from home, ensure good lighting at your
workspace it should not be very bright or dull. Avoid
sitting and working in bright lights like balcony or next to
window keep a check to prevent direct sunlight falling
on the monitor screen Close the window curtains. Even if
you are working in some corner of your room put the
lights on and ensure it is well lit, strategically decide
adequate to see the text on the screen, but not so bright
as to cause glare and therefore discomfort. It is useful to
reduce the amount of exterior light by pulling down the
curtains on the windows or closing the shades. If
possible, workers should position the computer keeping
the windows to their side, instead of behind or in front of
the screen. It may also be useful to assess the LUX levels
and aim for the ideal levels of working.
Lounge / Breakroom
100 - 300 lux
Arch toolbox reference Updated : March 03, 2020
Workstation
300 - 500 lux
Average
Various
Spaces Reception
200 - 300 lux
Storage Room
50 - 200 lux
work area where light is uniform.
Illumination study should be an important part of
workspace assessment as office work requires
adequate lighting for computer & gadget usage to
ensure the comfort and productivity of employees.
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Visual Ergonomics - Ways to Alleviate Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in Indian Working Professionals

Minimize Glare
Glare can contribute to computer eye strain. It will be
useful to install an anti-glare screen protector. Also, if
possible, the walls in the workspace could be painted in
a matte finish to reduce reflection.
For the employees who wear glasses, it may help to
purchase lenses with anti-reflective coating. This would
minimize the amount of light being reflected off the rear
and front surfaces of the glasses, thus reducing glare to
a huge extent.

Screen and Seating configuration: Ergonomics

Ensure correct monitor placement – Distance & level

Set up the computer screens so that they are in the

correct position with respect to the eyes. Ideally, the
monitor should be slightly below eye level so that one
doesn’t have to stretch the neck or strain the eyes to see
the screen. The monitor should be placed at an arm’s
length distance away. If the words on the screen are too
small, it is better to enlarge the font rather than bring the
monitor closer. It is also necessary to clean the computer
screen regularly to avoid static and dust build-up. Dust
may also impair one’s vision when viewing a computer
screen by affecting the glare. It is also important to keep
the display brightness at approximately the same level
as the brightness of the surroundings.
Keep the DUST away from screen

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Visual Ergonomics - Ways to Alleviate Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in Indian Working Professionals

Conclusion

Across Indian Offices, there is a high prevalence of within the regular health check procedures of
computer vision syndrome. Pre-existing eye conditions, organizations if they include an active eye healthcare
longer work hours, increased gadget usage, workplace element.
illumination issues, poor workstation ergonomics, and
employee awareness are all significantly associated
Correction
with the risk factors of CVS (computer vision syndrome).
Creating awareness is the key to address ergonomic
To address visual health challenges among computer
challenges. This must be followed by the right training
users at an organisational level it is important to
about the right habits, workstation arrangement, and
formulate comprehensive employee wellbeing
digital hygiene that fit into the work routine. Additionally,
guidelines. The Workspace & Ergonomics Research Cell
imparting training on physical and mental fitness
of Godrej Interio suggests a proactive approach of
through basic relaxation techniques is also advisable to
assessment, correction and prevention to address visual
combat visual fatigue.
ergonomics at workplaces.

Prevention
Assessment
Prevention comes from awareness. This means
An illumination audit of the office space could be looked
educating employees on potential ergonomic issues.
at to reduce the common employee complaints and
There are several ways organisations can address this,
enhance staff productivity. An illumination audit will help
including:
assess the different lighting needs of the various work-
profiles, equip various spaces with optimal illumination
- Weekly communication on health tips targeting visual
levels and help enhance employee wellbeing.
health
- Doing regular eye camps in their premises or adding
Ergonomic evaluations - Assessment of workplace
the same in annual health check-ups
ergonomics with recommendations for computer work
- Tracking and reviewing progress
and workstations
- Maintenance of visual and ergonomic conditions

Employee vision screening - Visual evaluation of every

Organisations must follow a structured approach to
computer-using employee on site at regular intervals
assess, correct, and successfully prevent computer
must be made mandatory.
vision syndrome and other ergonomic risks faced by
their employees in this digitally connected world.
Annual CVS check – A regular CVS check is
recommended for employees. Often this can be covered

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Visual Ergonomics - Ways to Alleviate Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in Indian Working Professionals

About Godrej Interio

Godrej Interio (GI) is India’s premium furniture brand for
both home and institutional segments with a strong
commitment to sustainability and centers of excellence
in design, manufacturing and retail.
Led by the largest in-house design team in the country in
the furniture category and awarded with 34 India Design
Mark Awards till date, GI aims to transform spaces with
its thoughtfully designed furniture to create brighter
homes and offices with products that have the highest
design quotient in aesthetics, functionality and
technology. With consistent pursuit of excellence and a
special focus on health and ergonomics, GI’s product
portfolio comprises a massive range.
Today, we design and manufacture furniture for office
spaces, homes, educational institutes, healthcare
facilities, laboratories and more. Along with furniture we
offer Audio Visual and 360 Degree Turnkey solutions.
Each of our product range revolves around comfort and
aesthetics while delivering well-designed, fun and
functional furniture solutions. Briefly, Godrej Interio
transforms dream spaces to life!
GI commitment to the environment has resulted in
manufacturing products with lesser environment
footprint. Our pioneering efforts include designing less
environment burdening products, usage of eco-friendly
materials and setting up less polluting and consuming
processes, ensuring eco-friendly packaging and
transportation and finally the extended responsibility of
recycling/reuse of used furniture and scrap, thus
ensuring a lifecycle approach to green.
Currently present in over 650 cities with 250 exclusive
showrooms and 800 dealers, GI is one of the largest
divisions of Godrej and Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., part of the
Godrej Group, one of India's largest engineering and
customer product groups.

Disclaimer
This paper represents the opinions of the authors and is the product of professional research. This report has been prepared for the

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written consent, no part of this report should be reproduced or distributed. While every attempt is made to ensure that the

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