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:

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.

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.