E-vision simulator:
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Are you doing all you can to protect your eyes from the effects of screen fatigue?  Take our online quiz and find out if you really are Screen Smart or if your computer could be leaving you bleary-eyed!

 

1. What are the symptoms of screen fatigue? (Tick all that you think apply)

  •        Eyestrain
  •        Headaches
  •        Tired eyes
  •        Blurred vision
  •        Dry eyes
  •        Itchy or sore eyes
  •        Impaired colour perception
  •        Sensitivity to the light

 

2. TRUE or FALSE too much screentime will damage your eyesight

  •       TRUE
  •       FALSE

 

3. Which of the following can trigger screen fatigue? (Tick all that apply)

  •       Insufficient and infrequent rest periods
  •       Incorrect positioning of the screen and /or documents
  •       Unsuitable lighting
  •       Poorly designed work area
  •       A pre-existing/uncorrected eyesight defect eg. Short-sightedness or astigmatism
  •       Forgetting to blink!

 

4. How often should you blink when you are looking at a computer screen?

  •       Around twenty times a minute
  •       About ten times a minute
  •       Less than ten times a minute

 

5. TRUE or FALSE heat generated by your computer can trigger the symptoms of screen fatigue?

  •        TRUE
  •        FALSE

 

6. What is the optimum ratio for ambient (surrounding) light Vs the brightness of your computer screen?

  • About the same
  • The screen should be twice as bright as the ambient lighting
  • The ambient lighting should be three times as bright as your screen

 

7. TRUE or FALSE employees who regularly use a computer at work are entitled to sight tests paid for by their employer?

  •  TRUE
  •  FALSE

 

8. What’s the recommended minimum font size you should use when working at your screen in normal view?

  •   9pt
  • 10pt
  • 12pt
  • 16pt

 

9. Where should your computer screen be positioned?

  • Immediately behind my keyboard
  • In the centre of my desk
  • About an arm’s length away from me

 

10.  Where should you position copy/reference documents?

  •  On the desk to the left of my keyboard
  •  Attached to a document holder next to my screen
  •  Propped up directly in-front of my keyboard

 

ANSWERS (1 point per correct answer)

1.  All of the above are common symptoms of screen fatigue. (Earn the point if you ticked them all)

2. FALSE.

3.  All of the above can place a strain on your eyes when working at a computer screen. (Earn the point if you ticked them all)

4. Your blink rate can slow by up to five times when you work at a computer. Blinking 20 times a minute will keep your eyes feeling fresh and bright.

5. TRUE. The heat generated by your computer can make the air around your computer drier and cause dry eye.  You may find eye drops and artificial tears can help alleviate the discomfort of dry eye. Plants can also help humidify the air too.

6. The ambient (surrounding) lighting should be about three times as bright as your screen. 

You can use a simple test to determine if the ambient lighting is suitable. 

Cup your hands over your eyes to form a peak or visor. If the comfort of your vision is immediately improved then you should look for ways to improve the lighting around your workstation.

7. TRUE.  Employees who regularly use a computer at work are entitled to free sight tests paid for by their employer. 

Eye Health UK recommends that you have your eyes examined at least once every two years (unless otherwise advised by your optometrist).

8. Eye Health UK recommends working with a font size of 12 pts or more when processing a document in normal view.

9. An arms-length away – about two feet.

10. Position copy or reference documents next to your screen.  This will avoid the need to continually re- focus your eyes on the screen and vice versa.

 

RESULTS
 

Your score is      /10

 

9 or more or more – Congratulations you have a low risk of suffering from screen fatigue. But don’t forget to have regular sight tests to keep your eyes feeling fit and healthy.

 

5 to 8 – Good effort, but you could be doing more to safeguard your vision when looking at screens. Take a look at our screen users’ guide for tips on how to minimise your risk of suffering screen fatigue.

 

Less than 5 – You need to get Screen Smart! You are at increased risk of suffering visual distress when working at your computer screen. Take a look at our screen users’ guide for tips on how to minimise your risk of suffering screen fatigue.