Eye examinations and glasses for computer and screen work
Many employees need special glasses when working with computers and screens. As an employer, you must offer eye examinations to everyone who works at a computer or screen for at least one hour a day.
As you age, your eye becomes less able to adjust to distance and visual acuity, and you become more sensitive to dazzling light. As they age, most people need special vision correction to be able to work without discomfort, such as glasses adapted for computer work.
The risks of poor visibility
Poor visibility can cause eye problems. Examples of eye problems:
- eye fatigue
- stinging
- a gritty sensation
- sensitivity to light
- headache
Poor vision conditions can also cause musculoskeletal disorders, for example,by employees unconsciously adopting unfavourable work postures and working movements in order to see well.
How to address the risks
Offer regular eye examinations
As an employer, you must offer regular eye examinations to everyone who normally works at a computer or screen for more than one hour a day. As well as vision and eye problems, headaches and neck and shoulder problems can also be reasons for an eye examination.
Eye examinations should be performed regularly at approximately two to five year intervals, as well as if the employee experiences any problems that may be related to the visual conditions at the workplace. Younger people can often get by with the longer intervals.
To arrive at a suitable interval, you can consult the person you engage for eye examinations, occupational health services or a licensed optician.
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As an employer, you must pay for the eye examination, but are only required to pay for the cheapest acceptable frames. However, it is not possible to set a cost limit for the lenses themselves, since that cost depends on the type of corrective lenses that are necessary for an employee in a particular screen job.
Computer glasses, like other work glasses, are a work tool that belongs to the employer. However, it is common for employees to take their work glasses with them when they change jobs.
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For short periods of work with a portable smartphone or tablet, progressive glasses or private reading glasses usually work well. This type of work does not require special computer glasses.
The employer may need to reorganise the work
If an employee develops vision problems, in spite of measures that have been taken, you as an employer need to organise the work so that the employee can switch to a less demanding task. If this is not possible, you must ensure that the employee receives sufficient breaks from screen work so that discomfort does not arise at work.
Get a better work environment through working systematically
As an employer, you must manage the work environment systematically, so as to improve it. Our provisions for systematic work environment management apply to all employers – regardless of the activities or the risks that you and your employees could be exposed to.
As an employer, you are responsible for reducing risk when working with screens, just as you are responsible for all aspects of the work environment.
Find out more about the employer's responsibilities when using computers and screens:
Find out more about vision and lighting
Last updated 2025-11-26