Home » News and Events » March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month

Posted by: Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute in Eye Health

Prevent Blindness has declared March as Workplace Eye Wellness Month, and we want to share tips that can protect your eyes for those working in the office and those who work outside the office.

We are raising awareness about digital eye strain and providing tips on decreasing the effects of increased screen time. Symptoms of digital eye strain include tired, burning, or itching eyes, dry eyes, blurred vision, or headache.

Check out the ways to help reduce digital eye strain, which are recommendations from the Prevent Blindness organization:

• Place your screen 20 to 26 inches away from your eyes and slightly below eye level.
• Use a document holder placed next to your screen. It should be close enough so you don’t have to swing your head back and forth or constantly change your eye focus.
• Change your lighting to lower glare and harsh reflections. Glare filters over your digital screens can also help.
• Get a chair you can adjust.
• Choose screens that can tilt and swivel. A keyboard that you can adjust is also helpful.
• Computer glasses with yellow-tinted lenses that block blue light can help ease digital eye strain by increasing contrast.
• Anti-reflective lenses reduce glare, increase contrast, and block blue light from digital devices.
• Take frequent breaks using the “20-20-20” rule, as the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association recommend. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This technique gives your eyes a chance to reset and replenish themselves.

Other work environments involving chemical, environmental, radiological, or mechanical irritants and hazards must also be mindful of eye safety. About one-third of eye injuries are treated in hospital emergency departments and more than 100 result in one or more days away from work.

Here are a few safety eyewear protection suggestions that can help prevent work eye injuries:

• Non-prescription and prescription safety glasses
• Goggles
• Face shields
• Welding helmets
• Full-face respirators

Almost every workplace eye injury is preventable with appropriate eye protection.

Although it is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, we don’t want to miss the opportunity to discuss eye safety tips with our retired patients. Your workplace environment may have changed to a homebound climate, but there are still tips for an eye-safe home.

Here are a few quick eye safety tips at home:

• Use protective eyewear. Always wear safety glasses or goggles when working with chemicals or other materials.
• Clear the lawn. Before you mow or use a weed eater, clean up any items that could be flung around at dangerous speeds if the blades catch them.
• Minimize trip hazards. Secure any rugs and equip stairways with proper railings and lighting.
• Don’t touch your eyes! Mainly while using cleaners (but it’s a good idea any time), and avoid touching your eyes.

Make your eyes a priority TODAY to help maintain your eye health. Healthy eyesight is vital for productive work and quality of life!

References: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Optometry, and the Prevent Blindness. 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 consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

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