During exposure to light, the pupil of the eye constricts to limit the amount of light entering the eye and expands again when moving into an area of limited light. Due to either an eye condition, migraine, a side effect of medication or as a symptom of a condition or disease, many people have sensitivity to light which can impact on their capacity to both see clearly and concentrate.
Learning to manage a sensitivity to light at work can ensure individuals are able to focus fully on their job or task and participate fully in their role within the workplace (Chemocare.com 2005)
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Within the workplace there are a number of strategies that can assist in managing a sensitivity to light:
For outside work environments:
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wear dark or coloured glasses to reduce the amount of light entering the eye all year round— specialised lenses are available which respond to brightness levels
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if required to wear safety glasses or goggles, obtain the sunglass style with wrap around sides
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within a work vehicle, if a passenger in a car, sit in the middle away from windows
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install window tinting or sunshades where possible on windows within work vehicles
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allow eyes time to adjust when moving between low to high level light areas
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avoid working in high glare—erect shade over worksite where possible
For inside work environments:
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close blinds and window coverings in large window areas. See link below for more information:
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use high visual colour contrast on computer screens, for instance black print against white background and reduce screen brightness
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avoid glare on work surfaces like shiny tables or desks, for instance place dark coloured mat over surface
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position desk and monitors to ensure the main light sources are perpendicular to the desk rather than behind or in front
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avoid facing directly into bright light sources
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avoid excessively bright overhead lighting or reflection onto work or computer
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place dimming switches on lighting where possible to mute the lighting levels
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avoid facing towards brightly painted walls
There are a range of lighting products that allow you to control the light in the work environment. Flicker free lighting can assist someone with Autism or Epilepsy, and choosing more soothing natural light minimises glare and eyestrain and increases contrast and clarity. See links below for more information on lighting solutions:
(Chemocare.com 2005; Vision Australia 2007; Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia (no date specified)).
Links to more specific job requirements
References
Chemocare.com 2005, Managing Side Effects: Eye Problems, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, viewed 17 August 2007, < http://www.chemocare.com/managing/eye_problems.asp>.
Human Factors & Ergonomics Society of Australia (no date specified), Ergonomics Case Studies: Case Study 3 – Lighting at work, Human Factors & Ergonomics Society of Australia, Baulkham Hills, viewed 17 August 2007, <http://www.ergonomics.org.au/ergonomics/case_studies.html#case3>
Vision Australia 2007, Children & Infants with Albinism, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 17 August 2007, < http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=672>.