Information from the network for visual ergonomics within NES
This network was established 2007 at the annual NES meeting in order to organize NES-members interested mainly in visual ergonomics it self, or in related areas which visual ergonomics has an impact. The members should be updated in research, health effects, new products etc.
Per Nylén (
per.nylen@av.se) and Magne Helland (
magne.helland@hibu.no) are chairing the network until the next annual meeting in Iceland, August 2008.
National representatives from the Nordic countries are
Denmark Vibeke Andersen
vga@at.dkFinland (vacant)
Iceland Lilja A. Haraldsson
harahara@heimsnet.isNorway Gunnar Horgen
gunnar.horgen@hibu.noSweden Hans Richter
hrr@hig.se
What happened at the network session at NES 2007
During the six hour long session, several examples of redundant visual ergonomics were presented both concerning eye strain and visual problems.
It is well known that visual ergonomics interacts with conventional musculoskeletal ergonomics. Eye strain and visual problems are common, and in them selfs problematic to the worker even if they do not induce chronic health effects. But visual defects can also cause the worker to sit or stand in strained postures. The vulture neck, a position that can cause long lasting pain, is for example often seen at elderly using ordinary progressive glasses at computer work with too small letters.
In later years it has also been shown that deficient visual ergonomics can also induce neck- end shoulder strain at normal postures. Slightly blurred letters increases muscle tonus in neck and shoulders also without altered postures. It is not established if this increased tonus is caused by unspecific activation of oculomotor reflexes, or a specific result of active muscle tension to keep the head fixed in order to achieve as sharp visual impression as possible. The reduced frequency of blinking at computer work might possibly also contribute to such a stabilisation of the visual field.
At the seminar twelve presentations were given by scientists and representatives from responsible authorities. The content went from a general presentations of the subject to basic laboratory research and field studies of post sorting, medical care in the patients home, train drivers, computer users.
A demonstration of promising new equipment aimed at reducing the neck angle of dentists by using prismatic glasses ended the seminar.
It was concluded the knowledge about eye strain and visual problems due to defects in visual ergonomics is now established enough to motivate an increased impact in the ergonomic regulatory frame work from responsible authorities.
