Can I have glasses covered by my employer?
Do you work a lot in front of a computer screen? Then you are entitled to an eye examination and computer glasses – and it is the employer who covers the costs for you.
If you regularly work at a computer screen and need computer glasses, you can have an eye examination and computer glasses covered by your employer.
What are computer glasses?
Computer glasses are glasses that are adapted to work in front of the computer screen. The special lenses take the strain off your eyes when you need to focus. The lenses are also treated to both remove glare and increase contrast.
A computer pair of glasses is a single vision pair of glasses that are specially adapted to the distance to the computer screen.
It may also be appropriate to get progressive and progressive glasses, but the need for this must be documented separately.
Computer glasses vs terminal glasses
Both glasses have the same preventive effect, but the field of vision in terminal glasses is wider, which makes this pair of glasses well suited if you work on several screens at the same time.
Who needs computer glasses?
How do you know that you need computer glasses? You may need computer glasses if:
- You get tired and tired in front of the computer
- You get a lot of headaches
- The text on the screen is unclear
- Your eyes sting/dry eyes towards the end of the working day
- Neck and shoulders feel stiff and tense after work
Who has the right to get computer glasses?
Computer glasses were previously only reserved for those who sit in front of a screen in an office space all day. In 2017, the scheme was changed to also apply to people who are exposed to screens in certain other areas as well.
Employees who regularly work at a computer screen have the right to have an eye examination and computer glasses covered by their employer.
Long-sightedness
After the age of 40, it is not uncommon for your vision to change. Over time, the lens of the eye ages, and it loses some of its elasticity. This makes it difficult to focus as before, and it can be difficult to see up close.
The Labour Inspection Authority emphasizes that this does not only apply to typical office spaces, but also to other types of screens. It can be anything from screens on industrial machines to cash registers. Mobile phones are not considered a computer monitor.
Are you unsure whether you are entitled to computer glasses? Talk to your employer and see more information about eye examinations and computer glasses on the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority's website.
What is the difference between reading glasses and computer glasses?
You might think that it's just as well to wear your reading glasses at work. But it is worth knowing that there are certain differences between reading glasses and computer glasses.
Computer glasses are meant to relieve your eyes when working in front of the screen.
Reading glasses , on the other hand, are intended to correct vision, and are not necessarily designed for computer use, as only a small area in the middle of the glasses is suitable for the distance you have from the screen. This can lead to incorrect sitting position, among other things, as you try to adapt the reading glasses to the screen.
Protects your eyes from blue light
Computer glasses are very useful when it comes to protecting your eyes from blue light. On a daily basis, we are surrounded by the blue-purple light from screens, and this can affect both eye health and sleep quality.
Over a long period of time, exposure from the blue light can cause our internal clock to be disrupted, which can lead to sleep disturbances.
5 tips that can make work more comfortable
It's not just computer glasses that can give you a better working day.
For example, we are not made to sit still, and it is not uncommon for sitting still to lead to sore eyes, headaches, back pain, pain in the shoulders, neck, arms and hands.
Here's how you can make your working day more comfortable:
- Make sure you have forearm support
- Avoid reflections on the screen
- The recommended distance to the computer screen is between 50-70 cm
- Avoid placing computer screen too high
- Try to vary your sitting position. Move and stand upright when you can
