Workplace vision health deserves our eyes (and attention). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 2,000 eye injuries that require medical treatment occur on the job daily in the U.S. However, the right eye protection and other preventive measures would likely lessen the severity or even prevent up to 90% of these injuries, according to the predictions of ophthalmologists.

Did You Know? Nearly 40% of work-related eye injuries take place in office settings, healthcare environments or laboratory facilities. Taking the proper steps to protect your eyes while working is essential to ensuring your safety, no matter your profession.

Long-term effects of visual impairment or poor eye health caused by injury can disrupt everything about your daily functioning, from the development and utilization of fine motor skills to language to your overall quality of life. Left wholly unaddressed, these issues can lead to lifelong impairment or blindness. Fortunately, early identification and treatment of eye disease can prevent loss of sight and its long-term effects.

By taking preventive action against workplace eye injury and other vision-related issues caused by possibly unexpected job-site hazards, you can protect yourself against long-term harm and build toward a future that’s really something to look at.

Tips To Keep Your Vision 20/20 in the Workplace

  1. Follow all recommended safety procedures. The single-most important step you can take to protect your vision at a physically hazardous worksite is to always remember the appropriate protective eyewear. Check out OSHA regulations for eye and face protection for more specific guidelines as you find the perfect pair for you. In addition, use similar preventive measures like machine guarding, work screens or other engineering controls to protect your eyes from hazards such as rogue shards of glass or metal, malfunctioning tools, small particles like wood splinters or metal shavings, splattered chemicals, etc.
  2. Take steps to avoid digital eye strain. If long days at a desk look more like your office-day routine, then taking breaks from staring at a screen should be a basic part of your preventive care toolkit. You can employ the 20-20-20 rule and make these moments of shifting your gaze away from the screen to look at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds long, at least once every 20 minutes. Similarly, be mindful of your space, adjusting as you go to create a more ergonomic environment. It’s recommended that you should sit roughly a foot and a half to two feet away from your computer screen, or about an arm’s length. Shift your screen brightness so that it feels comfortable. Position the screen so your eyes naturally look slightly downward, not straight ahead or upward. If you struggle with dry eyes in the workplace or otherwise, talk to your ophthalmologist about over-the-counter or prescription eye drop options.
  3. Get regular eye exams. While ongoing preventive care is always essential, regular eye exams are especially vital if you spend long hours in front of a computer screen or in other work environments that could be strenuous to your eyes or vision. Regular vision exams can identify and address any issues early before they lead to more severe and debilitating complications such as vision loss or even blindness. Prioritize your vision health by scheduling regular eye exams and taking the necessary measures to protect your eyes from occupational hazards in the workplace.

Sources:

“March is Workplace Eye Wellness Awareness Month!” UNC School of Medicine, med.unc.edu, Feb. 27, 2023.

“Fast Facts: Vision Loss,” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov, May 15, 2024.

“Safety Tips for Workplace Eye Wellness Month,” Cumberland Eye Care, cumberlandeye.com, Feb. 28, 2024.