Illuminance is defined as the amount of light in each workstation. Depending on the job we have, according to the room where we work and the type of activity, more or less light will be needed: for example, a surgeon in an operation will need an illumination of 500 lux, while a person working in an administrative attention with only 300 lux, will be more than enough for his performance.
In simple words: The more detail we have in the workplace, the higher the illuminance should be, the less detail the lower the illuminance.
Is illuminance measured?
Yes, of course, it is measured through an equipment called luxmeter, which measures the amount of lux per room.
Glare
These are the reflections of light sources that reach our eyes, which can be direct: for example, when we look at the sun without glasses or any filter; or indirect: which is produced by the reflections of objects.
3 tips to prevent glare
- Windows should be at the side of your work environment, since, if we sit in front of or behind them, it will probably generate the reflection that we want to avoid.
- Use matte screens. This type of screens, are without brightness, so it is a good point to avoid reflections.
- Avoid reflections with lighting fixtures, as far as possible that the light comes from the sides (right or left) and not from the upper part where we are located, to avoid glare.
5 Exercises for visual rest
- Rest every 2 hours for 15 minutes, this means -→ Do not look at the cell phone in those 15 minutes of rest!
- Close your eyes tightly and open them wide, almost exaggeratedly. You can do 10 repetitions.
- Move your eyes in all directions, up, down, right to left.
- Look at infinity every 20 minutes for 20 seconds.
- Avoid what I said in the first point, but in addition to those 15 minutes, avoid switching from computer to cell phone abruptly. It is advisable once we leave the computer to rest for a few minutes, we can proceed the previous exercise (4) at this point, for example, and then if we take the cell phone. The same we can implement if we are first with the cell phone and we want to move to the computer.
To close the class, I invite you to identify: Do you have visual fatigue when you work? And outside your work performance? In case you have it, I invite you to take the exercises mentioned in this class and then tell us in the discussion panel if you found them useful, or also if you already did exercises and have others to share with the whole community.
Contribution created by: Milagros Fortis (Platzi Contributor).
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