Affiliations: Division of Ergonomics, School of Technology and Health, KTH Royal Institute
of Technology, Huddinge, Sweden | Swedish Work Environment Authority, Stockholm,
Sweden | Lighting Laboratory, Division of Ergonomics, School of
Technology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Huddinge,
Sweden | Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska
Institutet, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden | St. Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
Note: [] Corresponding authpr: Per Nylén, Swedish Work Environment
Authority, Lindhagensgatan 133, SE-112 79, Stockholm, Sweden. Tel.: +46 10
7309753; E-mail: per.nylen@av.se
Abstract: BACKGROUND: In many western countries individuals will need to
continue their professional careers beyond the current retirement age. This
requires adaptation of the working conditions to compensate for age related
visual changes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to compile and structure
knowledge concerning age related changes in visual and non-visual functions
among older-age workers and to describe in what way these changes relate to
light and work performance. METHOD: An overview of the literature was performed in PubMed and
EMBASE concerning visual changes among elderly people, light, visual ergonomics
and consequences at work. RESULTS: Visual conditions and lighting design have an impact on
work performance in those over age 65 even if there are few studies available.
Natural age related changes in the eyes or ocular diseases can result in
reduced visual function and performance. Moreover, evidence of the importance
of light and dark rhythms for circadian regulation is mounting; there are
indications that the older-age population might need specific attention related
to this issue. Finally, visual deteriorations might also, secondarily, induce
strained postures and musculoskeletal symptoms, pain and injury. CONCLUSION: Age-related changes in the eyes and also ocular diseases
among older-age people have an impact on well-being and work performance, and
therefore call for reconsideration of their working conditions. Knowledge about
how visual functions, light and ocular diseases is needed for work design and
preventive actions.
