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Prescribing for presbyopes who use VDUs
D Burns1, H Obstfeld, J Saunders
1Department of Optometry, City University, London, UK.
Summary
Presbyopic VDU users do not position paperwork closer than their screens. This study found no need for special occupational spectacles for these individuals, regardless of work type or visual reserve.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Ergonomics
- Human Factors
Background:
- Many Visual Display Unit (VDU) users are assumed to position paperwork closer than the screen, potentially exceeding their depth of field.
- Prescription of spectacles for presbyopic VDU users traditionally considers these working distances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the actual working distances of VDU users, particularly presbyopes, concerning their paperwork and screens.
- To determine if specialized occupational spectacles are necessary for presbyopic VDU users based on working distances.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of working distances were taken from 243 VDU users.
- The sample included 101 presbyopic and 53 nearing presbyopia individuals.
- Data were analyzed based on work type and accommodative reserve, and compared with prior research.
Main Results:
- Contrary to previous assumptions, paperwork was not consistently positioned closer to the eyes than the VDU screen.
- This finding remained consistent across different VDU usage types and varying accommodative reserves.
- The study challenges the necessity of special occupational spectacle lens designs for presbyopes at VDU workstations.
Conclusions:
- Special occupational spectacle lens forms are generally not indicated for presbyopic individuals using VDU workstations.
- Working distances in VDU use do not necessitate specialized eyewear beyond standard corrections.
- Ergonomic considerations for VDU users should focus on actual observed working distances rather than assumptions.