Workers blame VDUs for vision problems

Almost half the UK's working population attributes damaged vision to using a computer at work, according to the results of one of the largest surveys ever conducted into workplace eye health.

The survey, of over 1,600 workers, was commissioned by Accor Services, provider of employee benefits.

It found that one in five British workers has not had an eye examination in five years, and only a third were aware of their right to a free eye test through the workplace.

Of those workers who were aware of their right to an employer-paid eye check, only half had taken advantage of it.

It also found a clear link between computer use and lack of productivity caused by eye-related illness.

A quarter of workers have suffered blurred vision; one in five admits to making mistakes as a result of eyestrain; 13 per cent have suffered migraines; and one in 10 has experienced dizzy spells.

One in 20 workers admits to taking time off as a result of eye-related illness.

It appears it is the vision of the youngest generation of employees, individuals aged 16-24 years, that is most affected. In spite of being the most prolific computer users, only a quarter of workers in this group are aware of their right to a free eye examination.

'They are also the least likely to visit the optician,' said an Accor spokeswoman, 'unsurprising then, that they also have the highest incident of eye-related illness.'

The survey found 85 per cent of this group have experienced blurred vision, headache, migraine, dizzy spells or nausea as a result of using a computer at work.

Cost is another factor contributing to UK workers' apparent unwillingness to do more to look after their vision. With the average trip to the opticians costing workers £100, according to the survey, one in 10 employees reported they avoid the opticians on grounds of cost.