Protect Your Eyes: Why Workplace Eye Safety Should be a Top Priority
Eye safety is an essential part of workplace safety, but it’s often overlooked or taken for granted. Eye injuries can occur in any work environment, whether it’s an office or a construction site, and they can be severe and long-lasting. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to workplace eye safety tips to help you protect your eyes and prevent injuries in any work environment. From computer eye safety to blue-collar job hazards, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your vision safe and healthy.
Protect Your Eyes from Computers, Digital Devices and Eye Strain
Many of us spend the majority of our workday staring at a computer screen, which can lead to a range of eye-related health issues, including:
- Dry or itchy eyes
- Red eyes
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Eye strain or fatigue
These symptoms are caused by prolonged exposure to blue light, and while they’re not permanent, they can be uncomfortable and disruptive. If you notice any of these symptoms, try one of the following tips to give your eyes some much-needed relief.
Adjust Your Position at the Computer
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one: make sure you sit at least 25 inches (about arm’s length) away from your computer screen to reduce eye strain. Position the screen so your eyes are level with the top of the monitor, and tilt it at a slightly downward angle to reduce glare.
Try Artificial Tears
Artificial tears are a great way to lubricate and rehydrate the eyes, which can help reduce dryness and irritation. Eye drops work quickly to soothe the eyes and provide relief from dry eyes, redness and irritation.
Follow the “20-20-20” Rule
The “20-20-20 rule” is a simple way to reduce eye strain. The idea is that every 20 minutes, you take a 20-second break and focus on something at least 20 feet away from the computer screen.
Reduce Glare
If you notice your screen is too bright or you’re having difficulty seeing, try reducing the amount of glare. You can invest in an anti-glare screen protector or adjust your monitor’s brightness and contrast settings to reduce the amount of light coming from your screen. You could also try blue-light protective lenses to help reduce eye strain and fatigue while using digital devices.
Stay Safe from Workplace Eye Injuries with Eye Safety Protection
Eye injuries can happen in any work environment, whether you work with tools and appliances or operate heavy machinery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 2,000 US workers sustain a job-related eye injury each day, ranging from acute eye strain to severe trauma. However, wearing appropriate protective eyewear can prevent more than 90% of serious eye injuries.
Top Causes of Workplace Eye Injuries
Many workplace eye injuries are caused by:
- Flying shards of metal or glass
- Tools that slip or malfunction
- Particles such as wood splinters or metal shavings
- Spattered chemicals
Types of Protective Eyewear
All protective eyewear should comply with OSHA regulations for eye and face protection, and the eyewear needed depends on the hazards in each particular workplace. Common types of eyewear protection include:
- Safety glasses with side shields for workplaces that have particles, flying objects or dust
- Goggles if you handle chemicals
- Specifically designed safety glasses, goggles or helmets if you work near welding, lasers or fiber optics
General Eye Safety Tips
No matter what type of work you do, it’s important to take steps to protect your eyes from potential injury, irritation and illness. The following tips can help keep your vision sharp and healthy for years to come.
- Stay aware of your surroundings
- Wear sunglasses and hats outdoors
- Keep eye drops handy for dry eyes
- Schedule regular eye exams
Protect Your Eyes at Cascade Eye & Skin Centers
At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, we offer comprehensive eye care with a focus on prevention and early detection to protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy. Our experienced ophthalmologists will customize a plan of care tailored to you and your lifestyle. We’ll also provide tips and advice on how to protect your eyes in the workplace. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get started.
