Computer Display Placement for Progressive Addition Lens Wearers: A Field Observation of Multiple Display Conditions

Abstract

A growing segment of the workforce wears Progressive Addition Lenses (PAL) to correct for age related loss of eye function. Many of these aging adults work with computer displays in their daily job tasks. There has been little research to determine display placement that best serves this group of workers. A field study was conducted to examine display placement for PAL wearers. Five conditions were examined; 1) using a notebook computer placed on the worksurface, 2) using a notebook computer positioned on a riser stand, with separate keyboard and mouse, and 3–5) using a separate 19 inch LCD display attached to 3 different adjustable mounts, each with separate keyboard and mouse. When PAL wearers could control display distance and height they selected an average distance of 26.8 inches from the eyes, and a height that created an average eye-to-screen angle of 19.6° below eye level. Based upon perceived eye and body comfort and user satisfaction data, external display conditions with adjustable mounts were shown to be the favored solutions and were associated with the least amount of perceived eye and body discomfort. This type of display support design should to be considered when offering PAL wearers' adjustment solutions.