The Eyes Have It – Healthy Vision on the Job
March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month. Each day, more than 2,000 American workers suffer an eye injury, and nearly 1 million Americans have lost some of their sight due to an eye injury, according to Prevent Blindness America (PBA). But there are some easy steps we can take to ensure the health of our vision.
For those of us who spend hours looking at the blue light of a computer screen or cell phone, digital eyestrain or computer vision syndrome can lead to tired, irritated eyes and difficulty focusing. and continued exposure to blue light over time could lead to more serious vision problems such as macular degeneration or cataracts.
We can lower this risk by taking breaks and using protective covers for digital devices that can reduce harmful exposure to blue light. For people in jobs such as construction or lab work , one of the most effective ways to prevent workplace eye injury or infection is to wear proper safety glasses - these could reduce up to 90% of workplace eye injuries. Visit www.preventblindness.org for more information and to find out about blue light filters.
Check out these tips for workplace eye health.
Concerns of appearance or the way safety goggles feel while wearing them in the workplace should not deter anyone from risking the long term health of their vision.
Prevent Blindness America highlights the important aspects of protective eyewear safety in the workplace.
Knowing the location of the emergency eye wash station, as well as the necessary steps to take in an eye contamination emergency, is essential to establishing proper eye safety for all employees in the workplace.
Safety Partners, LTD provides a list of the necessary components that should be found in every eye wash station.
If problems with your vision arise in the workplace, schedule an eye appointment. Only an eye doctor can determine if eye problems are affecting your performance in the workplace.
The CDC offers advice on why scheduling a routine eye exam can preserve the long term health of your vision.