The ergophthalmologic examination is a diagnostic check that is carried out by the competent physician with the purpose of assessing the visual ability of workers and to ascertain work fitness in the performance of tasks that present considerable visual strain.
Let’s see together what the ergophthalmologic examination is and who it is for.
The ergophthalmologic examination and the visual apparatus
The ergophthalmological examination is aimed at safeguarding workers’ ocular capacity and preventing visual pathologies in a timely manner: in fact, it is particularly useful for those who perform their activities more on video terminals and computers since for these individuals the visual apparatus is the weakest part and most exposed to risks.
Workplaces where computer use is indispensable have become increasingly numerous, and because of this, vision dysfunction is becoming more and more common.
Prolonged use of video terminals results in considerable eye fatigue by subjecting the ocular apparatus to stress: therefore, ergophthalmological examination is very important as it protects workers from possible deficits and diseases affecting the visual apparatus.
For example, occupational asthenopia (eye fatigue experienced by workers at video terminals, radar stations, and monitors) is a syndrome that can affect this group of workers.
Who the ergophthalmological examination is for
Legislative Decree no. 81 of April 9, 2008 regulates the use of video display screens and is aimed at all those workers who use devices equipped with a “screen” during the course of their work for a total of at least 20 hours per week.
They must undergo ergophthalmological examination following the regulations drafted in the decree taking into account:
– Of the assessment of risks related to the visual apparatus related to the performance of work activities;
– Of posture and visual stress prevention;
– of ergonomic and hygienic conditions related to the work environment;
– of interventions aimed at limiting or eliminating exposure to the identified risks.
The Competent Physician once the examination is completed determines the worker’s suitability in the use of video display screens and thus to be able to continue in his or her job. The examination is also conducted at the beginning to prove his or her fitness before performing his or her duties.
What does the ergophthalmologic examination consist of
The ergophthalmologic examination consists of some tests placed on the eye and is noninvasive.
Let us look together in detail at the factors that are taken into consideration during the visit:
– visual function and acuity (on both eyes);
– near and far vision;
– the intermediate vision of both eyes;
– color vision (also using a bichromatic test) and contrasts;
– the presence of myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia or astigmatism.
These checks allow the competent physician to assess the proper function of the visual apparatus such as accommodation ability, convergence, or tear secretion.
The periodicity with which the ergophthalmologic examination is performed is essential because the examination is useful not only to avoid the onset of discomfort but also to prevent worsening should there be any minor discomfort.
This allows the worker’s health status to be monitored: in fact, for workers over 50 years of age (or in case of the presence of specific diseases), the checkup occurs every 2 years, while for other workers it is every 5 years.
