Home » Blog » March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month

Posted by: Georgia Center for Sight

March is designated as Workplace Eye Wellness Month by the Prevent Blindness organization, a time when we focus on promoting eye health and safety in the workplace. We want to share some tips that can help protect your eyes whether you work in an office or outside.

Our aim is to raise awareness about the importance of eye wellness at the workplace, which also includes preventing digital eye strain. We will provide tips on decreasing the effects of increased screen time that can cause symptoms like tiredness, burning or itching eyes, dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches.

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 light to lower glare and harsh reflections. Glare filters over your digital screens can also help.
• Choose screens that can tilt and swivel. Also, a keyboard that you can adjust is helpful as well.
• 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, reducing the risk of digital eye strain.

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

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. It’s crucial to remember that eye safety is not just a concern in the workplace, but also at 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 avoiding touching your eyes.

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

References: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Optometry, and 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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