iCLO: A New Method for Resting the Eyes in the New Normal Era

Abstract

The present paper is intended to introduce ergonomics researchers to “iCLO”, a new management method that involves resting the eyes. It is defined as a method wherein one “actively closes one’s eyes even for a short period in a safe environment, when they would otherwise just be idly open and when there would be no detriment caused by closing one’s eyes.” A previous study revealed that the subjective symptoms of ocular fatigue, dry eye, and blurred vision improved and the interblink interval was shown to be shorter when engaged in iCLO. iCLO is particularly suitable when working remotely, because it can be done at one’s own pace and can be implemented when in a small room. In the future, for responding variety of new ways of resting the eyes in work/life settings, various possible methods using prefix “iCLO-,” such as “iCLO working” or “iCLO web surfing” might be expected. Therefore, the scope of research issues for iCLO is considered very broad. It is expected to play a significant role in preventing computer vision syndrome and improving performance by selectively and actively controlling the timing and quantity of the visual information received from the outside world.