Mehiläinen Mobile Benefits
Read more
Read our specialist’s tips for occupational vision and staying safe when getting around in the dark
"People of all ages can experience eye strain and fatigue as autumn arrives and they return to work and school. At work, at school, in traffic and during leisure time, situations that previously felt effortless can become more demanding as natural light decreases and mornings and evenings grow darker," says Jyri Vestervik, Chief Optician at Synsam.
In the dark, the pupil expands, which highlights possible refractive errors and causes blurred vision. An expanded pupil is comparable to a large camera aperture, which makes optical aberrations in the eye’s ‘camera’ more pronounced and can make it more difficult to see clearly. Thus, a mild refractive error that went unnoticed in the summer, or even a small change in vision, can become apparent in challenging low-light conditions, making it more difficult to see clearly and causing challenges particularly in dim light and darkness.
Many people over the age of 40 notice that their near vision deteriorates rapidly in the autumn; many feel that the change happened “overnight”. It is also worth noting that low light and rainy weather reduce contrast, which reduces the ability to distinguish shapes and colours.
Vestervik points out that some eye diseases, such as cataract, make it difficult to see in dim and dark conditions. Many eye diseases are associated with ageing, which is why they are more common among older employees. In addition, ageing itself causes changes in the eyes; light transmission and adaptability deteriorate with age.
As the lens becomes increasingly cloudy, less light passes through it, which can impair vision in low-light conditions and the ability to distinguish contrasts, i.e. between similar shades of colour. Increased light scattering in the lens can not only reduce overall visual quality but also cause glare. This can be a very annoying symptom and makes driving difficult, especially in the dark.
In traffic, the darkness of autumn challenges people of all ages; low light and wet asphalt that absorbs and reflects light can cause difficulties in vision. It takes the rod cells in the eyes about half an hour to adapt to darkness, and only then does low-light vision reach its full potential — but this does not have time to happen in traffic. In traffic, up-to-date prescription glasses, clean and scratch-free lenses and a clean windscreen are key to improving road safety and ensuring the clearest possible vision.
In the autumn, it is also a good idea to pay attention to good lighting at the workplace, good working ergonomics and healthy habits. A nutritious diet and sufficient sleep help prevent fatigue and help you cope better with everyday life. The occupational physiotherapist appointed for your company offers expertise in occupational ergonomics and can come to your workplace to check matters related to occupational vision.
Regular eyesight examinations are key to keeping your eyes healthy. An optician’s eyesight examination at Synsam stores is free of charge when you show the Mobile Benefits in the OmaMehiläinen app. We recommend booking an appointment through Synsam’s website External link
If there is reason to suspect an eye disease or if you want to have your eye health checked, you should see an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologist's appointments can be booked through Mehiläinen.
