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Optometrist ViewpointERGONOMICS ~ from an Optometrist Perspective
 Posture Boards, Stress Reduction and Vision There is an intimate relationship between posture, working distance, desk surface and lenses. Pioneering experiments by Darrrel Boyd Harmon and subsequent research by Drs John Pierce and Steven Greenspan clearly prove a reduction of stress and improved performance when conditions are arranged properly for near-point visual activities. The following changes were observed: reduced heart rate, more regular and deeper breathing, reduced neck muscle and overall body tension.
To achieve these benefits the following must be arranged:
Working Surface: A sloping working surface must be used that is tilted between 20 and 23 degrees from the horizontal.
Posture: Seated comfortably, relatively erect, feet flat on the floor
Working Distance: The “Harmon Distance” is the optimal distance from the eyes to the working surface. It is the distance from the elbow to the first knuckle. This can only be assured with a proper chair height to desk relationship and a sloped working surface. Working at the Harmon Distance reduces near point visual stress.
Nearpoint Lenses: Specifically prescribed nearpoint lenses if required are essential to enhance and integrate posture, working distance, and surface relationship and reduce nearpoint stress..
When reading we naturally hold a book so it is parallel to our face. This means when we have our book on a table, we tend to lean over the book to get as close as possible to parallel. This close working distance puts stress on the focusing and convergence systems of the eyes and may lead to nearpoint stress and at worst deterioration of vision.
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A sloped surface (eg Porta-Book) encourages a more upright posture, a longer working distance, better breathing, and reduced nearpoint stress. The Porta-Book is particularly useful for individuals using laptop computers for extended periods.
Porta-Book can be useful for all ages from youngsters who are developing their writing and reading skills, students for studying and reading, laptop operators, low vision patients, and as a home accessory for lap reading (eg in bed). By improving posture, the sloped surface can also help to free the writing arm to enable improvement in writing.
As a behavioural optometrist the slope board (eg Porta-Book) is frequently recommended to assist vision and posture whether it is for children or adults alike. The visual system can undergo tremendous stress these days. Students and adults are spending much more time on prolonged near-vision tasks. The shift to computers for work and play involves prolonged near viewing.
Eye discomfort, headaches, blurred vision, reduced concentration and lowered visual performance are but a few of the symptoms that can be assisted by improving visual hygiene of which the sloped working surface (eg Porta- Book) plays a significant role. Postural and visual stress can significantly affect concentration.
By Lesley Vedelago
Dip App Sc Optom, FACBO
FCOVD, FVCO Browns Plains Road,
Browns Plains Qld
07 3800 5013
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