5 answers
Aliyah
Student
Anchorage, Alaska
3
Questions
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As a computer operator do you feel like it gets straining on your eyes, mind or body?
#computer-operator
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5 answers
Zack Mutchler
Senior Technology Architect
1
Answer
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Zack’s Answer
There are a wide variety of roles in the professional world today that require significant portions of your time being spent on a computer. Much like any other profession, there are definitely risks that you should be aware of, but the risks are generally easy to mitigate with proper planning and caution.
Unlike some careers where the risks can be quite easy to identify (take firefighting or electrical lineman for example), careers which spend a majority of their time working on a computer tend to have more subtle risks that aren't as apparent to the untrained eyes. In most situations, the major risk factors are going to be around things like repetitive strain injuries (RSI), issues with your muscles (especially the back and hips), and vision issues.
While these all have their own level of severity and impact to different individuals. They are admittedly slight risks on average and tend to be avoidable with proactive measures such as good ergonomic equipment, good behaviors like taking plenty of breaks and getting away from your desk and moving around, and protective equipment like blue light filters or glasses.
In many organizations there will be existing policies specifically designed to help employees avoid and mitigate these risks, and your personal physician should always be included with any questions you have about your specific situation. But take comfort in knowing that there are millions of professions who spend their career working on computers and don't end up suffering from any of these problems. Just like riding a bike or climbing a mountain, proper planning and commitment to safety are your friends!
Some resources if you're curious:
Tips to prevent RSI: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/tips-to-prevent-rsi/
7 Ways to be a Healthy Web Programmer: https://www.stridenyc.com/blog/7-ways-to-be-a-healthy-web-programmer
How Does Blue Light Affect Your Health?: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/blue-light-health
Speak to your personal physician about your concerns and get a plan for success!
Unlike some careers where the risks can be quite easy to identify (take firefighting or electrical lineman for example), careers which spend a majority of their time working on a computer tend to have more subtle risks that aren't as apparent to the untrained eyes. In most situations, the major risk factors are going to be around things like repetitive strain injuries (RSI), issues with your muscles (especially the back and hips), and vision issues.
While these all have their own level of severity and impact to different individuals. They are admittedly slight risks on average and tend to be avoidable with proactive measures such as good ergonomic equipment, good behaviors like taking plenty of breaks and getting away from your desk and moving around, and protective equipment like blue light filters or glasses.
In many organizations there will be existing policies specifically designed to help employees avoid and mitigate these risks, and your personal physician should always be included with any questions you have about your specific situation. But take comfort in knowing that there are millions of professions who spend their career working on computers and don't end up suffering from any of these problems. Just like riding a bike or climbing a mountain, proper planning and commitment to safety are your friends!
Some resources if you're curious:
Tips to prevent RSI: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/tips-to-prevent-rsi/
7 Ways to be a Healthy Web Programmer: https://www.stridenyc.com/blog/7-ways-to-be-a-healthy-web-programmer
How Does Blue Light Affect Your Health?: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/blue-light-health
Zack recommends the following next steps:
I'll be sure to check out the link and i'm happy to know I won't be under a lot of strain as long as i take the right precautions. Thank you very much!
Aliyah
Nelson Rothermel
Senior Solutions Architect
2
Answers
Brookeville, Maryland
Updated
Nelson’s Answer
Adding to the other answers, almost any office job will require significant amount of time in front of a computer. Often the higher you move up in your career the more time is spent on planning, managing, discussing with other people, etc. which normally gets you moving and away from the screen. However, with COVID and remote work it's now much more common to spend that time on video conferencing. In this situation it's even more important to be proactive about dedicating time to rest your eyes and move around.
On the mental side, there are some tasks that are more repetitive and don't require much thought, while with others you ideally need to focus with minimal distraction. Both extremes can be tiring, so a healthy mix of both is a good idea. I personally prefer a mix of about 70% focused and 30% brainless, though it can vary significantly on any given day. In general the deeper thought leads to results that you are more proud about and will help you learn and grow faster. If you choose a career that you enjoy it will be less of a job which will be much more mentally stimulating and tire you less.
On the mental side, there are some tasks that are more repetitive and don't require much thought, while with others you ideally need to focus with minimal distraction. Both extremes can be tiring, so a healthy mix of both is a good idea. I personally prefer a mix of about 70% focused and 30% brainless, though it can vary significantly on any given day. In general the deeper thought leads to results that you are more proud about and will help you learn and grow faster. If you choose a career that you enjoy it will be less of a job which will be much more mentally stimulating and tire you less.
I was worried about things getting repetitive and boring. So i'm happy to know I can mix it up here and there. Thank you thank you!
Aliyah
Lindsay Gordon
Program Manager
4
Answers
Thousand Oaks, California
Updated
Lindsay’s Answer
Ergonomics is really important for careers in front of the screen. There are plenty of best practices and habits to help offset this though, here are a few I've learned:
Eyes:
- Give your eyes a break! Change up where you focus and move your eyes to look somewhere outside or in the distance as often as possible (every 30 min)
Body:
-Having a desk/workstation that fits you properly is so important! I'm petite so choosing a chair was critical to my comfort sitting long hours. Not all chairs were adjustable enough for me so research was key. I also have a standing desk which helps to offer options for posture and movement.
Mind:
- Be conscious of the amount of screen time and the environment you are in. if in the dark, you can get lights that mimic daylight. If alone, try balancing with social interactions. This is different for everyone and can be a personal preference.
Eyes:
- Give your eyes a break! Change up where you focus and move your eyes to look somewhere outside or in the distance as often as possible (every 30 min)
Body:
-Having a desk/workstation that fits you properly is so important! I'm petite so choosing a chair was critical to my comfort sitting long hours. Not all chairs were adjustable enough for me so research was key. I also have a standing desk which helps to offer options for posture and movement.
Mind:
- Be conscious of the amount of screen time and the environment you are in. if in the dark, you can get lights that mimic daylight. If alone, try balancing with social interactions. This is different for everyone and can be a personal preference.
Thank you for responding! I'll be sure to give myself plenty of breaks, as well as make sure my work station suits me. I'll also keep in mind to switch things up a bit so I won't go crazy. Thanks again!
Aliyah
Zahid Iqbal
Software Engineer
119
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Zahid’s Answer
Any job that requires long periods of time sitting in front of the computer will add straining to your eyes, mind and body. People who sit in front of the computer also do not blink as much as when they are not sitting there. This constant staring adds to the straining, as well as headaches.
Fortunately there are many solutions to these problems. Taking a break every 20 minutes to do something else or go for a short walk helps. For those who wear glasses can have blue light blocking coating on their glasses. Individuals who do not require the use of eyeglasses for other daily activities may benefit from glasses prescribed specifically for computer use. If you don't wear glasses and don't want to, you can turn your phone setting to night mode or warm colors to help with the strain. Even newer computers come with this feature now.
I don't think computer operators will have these issues since their job is not 100% sitting in front of the screen or sitting at their desk as it entails other responsibilities, but it still could be an issue for them as well so something to keep in mind.
Regarding the body, number strain and stress on the body is how their work station is set up. This includes lighting conditions, chair comfort, location of reference materials, the position of the monitor, and the use of rest breaks.
* Location of the computer screen. Most people find it more comfortable to view a computer when the eyes are looking downward. Optimally, the computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes.
* Reference materials. These materials should be located above the keyboard and below the monitor. If this is not possible, a document holder can be used beside the monitor. The goal is to position the documents, so the head does not need to be repositioned from the document to the screen.
* Lighting. Position the computer screen to avoid glare, particularly from overhead lighting or windows. Use blinds or drapes on windows and replace the light bulbs in desk lamps with bulbs of lower wattage.
* Anti-glare screens. If there is no way to minimize glare from light sources, consider using a screen glare filter. These filters decrease the amount of light reflected from the screen.
* Seating position. Chairs should be comfortably padded and conform to the body. Chair height should be adjusted so the feet rest flat on the floor. Arms should be adjusted to provide support while typing and wrists shouldn't rest on the keyboard when typing.
* Rest breaks. To prevent eyestrain, try to rest eyes when using the computer for long periods. Resting the eyes for 15 minutes after two hours of continuous computer use. Also, for every 20 minutes of computer viewing, look into the distance for 20 seconds to allow the eyes a chance to refocus.
* Blinking. To minimize the chances of developing dry eye when using a computer, try to blink frequently. Blinking keeps the front surface of the& eye moist.
Lastly, if you sit for long periods of time on a computer then at end of the day there are specific stretching exercises you should do to stretch your body from being locked into that position for so long. These are can be google.
Fortunately there are many solutions to these problems. Taking a break every 20 minutes to do something else or go for a short walk helps. For those who wear glasses can have blue light blocking coating on their glasses. Individuals who do not require the use of eyeglasses for other daily activities may benefit from glasses prescribed specifically for computer use. If you don't wear glasses and don't want to, you can turn your phone setting to night mode or warm colors to help with the strain. Even newer computers come with this feature now.
I don't think computer operators will have these issues since their job is not 100% sitting in front of the screen or sitting at their desk as it entails other responsibilities, but it still could be an issue for them as well so something to keep in mind.
Regarding the body, number strain and stress on the body is how their work station is set up. This includes lighting conditions, chair comfort, location of reference materials, the position of the monitor, and the use of rest breaks.
* Location of the computer screen. Most people find it more comfortable to view a computer when the eyes are looking downward. Optimally, the computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes.
* Reference materials. These materials should be located above the keyboard and below the monitor. If this is not possible, a document holder can be used beside the monitor. The goal is to position the documents, so the head does not need to be repositioned from the document to the screen.
* Lighting. Position the computer screen to avoid glare, particularly from overhead lighting or windows. Use blinds or drapes on windows and replace the light bulbs in desk lamps with bulbs of lower wattage.
* Anti-glare screens. If there is no way to minimize glare from light sources, consider using a screen glare filter. These filters decrease the amount of light reflected from the screen.
* Seating position. Chairs should be comfortably padded and conform to the body. Chair height should be adjusted so the feet rest flat on the floor. Arms should be adjusted to provide support while typing and wrists shouldn't rest on the keyboard when typing.
* Rest breaks. To prevent eyestrain, try to rest eyes when using the computer for long periods. Resting the eyes for 15 minutes after two hours of continuous computer use. Also, for every 20 minutes of computer viewing, look into the distance for 20 seconds to allow the eyes a chance to refocus.
* Blinking. To minimize the chances of developing dry eye when using a computer, try to blink frequently. Blinking keeps the front surface of the& eye moist.
Lastly, if you sit for long periods of time on a computer then at end of the day there are specific stretching exercises you should do to stretch your body from being locked into that position for so long. These are can be google.
I can't wait to check out the cool blue light glasses, I probably sound dorky but, one of main concern was being put under strain. I'm happy to know that there are many solutions and i'll be sure to be mindful of my surroundings. Thank you!
Aliyah
Franklin Hanson
Software Engineering
7
Answers
Herndon, Virginia
Updated
Franklin’s Answer
It definitely can be if you don't take care of yourself! Try to take periodic breaks. Focus your eyes on something far away and use adequate room lighting to avoid eye strain. Getting up and walking around every so often and paying attention to posture also help.
This helps put my mind at ease. I'll be sure to give myself plenty of breaks, and practice taking care of my eyes. Thank you so much!
Aliyah