March: workplace eye wellness month
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 2,000 eye injuries occur daily on the job. Most would think that eye injuries only happen in construction or manufacturing jobs. However, nearly 40% of work-related eye injuries happen in offices, healthcare facilities, or laboratory work environments. Protecting your eyes while working is crucial to ensuring your safety. In fact, wearing proper eye protection can prevent up to 90% of work-related eye injuries. Don’t take any risks when it comes to your vision. Make sure you always have the proper eye protection for the job. Nearly 25,000 Americans visit the emergency room annually due to a workplace eye injury. During Workplace Eye Wellness Month this March, we would like to share a few tips to help protect your eyes from injury:
    • Keep safety eyewear in good condition and replace it when necessary.
    • Always wear safety goggles or face shields to protect against splashing when working with chemicals.
    • Keep your eye protection clean.
    • Implement controls on machinery and equipment to prevent the escape of particles and debris.
    • Ensure all eye and face protection meets OSHA standards and applicable local and state regulations.
    • Don’t forget putting on a pair of safety glasses can help prevent serious eye injuries in the workplace.
For Workplace Eye Safety Awareness Month, we also wanted to share safety eye tips for office employees. The workplace environment has significantly changed within the past couple of years, with most employees working remotely and increasing screen time for projects, including meetings attended via Zoom. The increased screen time affects remote employees and the entire family, from the kids’ virtual learning to online entertainment. Here are a few tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology to create a healthy and comfortable work environment to avoid digital eye strain.
    • Make a conscious effort to blink as often as possible.
    • Consider computer eyeglasses
    • Use eye drops to refresh your eyes
    • Adjust screen brightness to match the light levels around you
    • Sit about 25 inches from your screen.

Screen Time and Your Eye Health

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, studies show that the number of people developing nearsightedness has dramatically increased. Dry eye symptoms in digital device users are becoming more common, and computer use combined with smartphone and tablet personal use increases the risk of digital eye strain. Reduce eye strain by focusing on your eye health and give your eyes a break by adopting the 20-20-20 rule in your day-to-day office or remote learning routine, which is:

Every 20 minutes. Take 20 seconds. To look 20 feet away.

Remember, during March and year-round, to wear your safety glasses and protect your eyes from digital eye strain as you work. If you have any concerns about your eye health or experience any changes with your eyesight, don’t delay making an eye exam appointment.    

Our Highest Priority Is Your Lifelong Eye Health!

References: American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Optometry. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided in this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, they should they should consult with an appropriately licensed