Keep your eyes protected while at work

Eye safety is something most people don’t routinely think about. Taking care of your eyes while at work or school is very important because a majority of eye injuries happen during this time. When we say ‘an eye injury at work’, it doesn’t necessarily have to be something at a construction site, a manufacturing unit or an outdoor location. In fact, one of the most common vision problems is staring at a computer screen for too long.

March is considered as ‘Workplace Eye Health and Safety’ month. If you consider there’s no way for you to get injured in the eye while at work, think again. Each year, approximately 25,000 Americans visit eye doctors due to an eye injury at their workplace.   which adds up to an more than $300 million in losses.

Be wary of dangerous objects

Individuals who work in potentially dangerous environments, such as construction sites, industries, assembly lines, and outdoor locations are at higher risk of being injured by objects around them. Metal objects, sparks that fly around, chemicals, viscous fluids, tools, and even compressed sprays may inflict serious damage.  Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes at all times. If a particle or fluid gets into your eye, rinse it immediately using cold water. Call your eye doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.  Try to avoid rubbing, as the particles may scratch the surface of the cornea. 

Avoid staring at a computer screen for too long

Did you now that an estimated 14% of all reported eye strain is caused by staring at a computer/smartphone screen for too long? Teens, tweens and adults all spend numerous hours on all different kinds of screens.  Follow the 20-20-20 rule:  take a 20-second break to look away from your computer screen, preferably at something that’s at a distance of 20 feet, every 20 minutes. This relaxes, and rests, the muscle in the eye that helps us to focus on near objects.

Blinking at regular intervals keeps the eyes moist and removes dust particles. Adjusting the screen brightness to an optimum level reduces the strain on your eyes, too. If necessary, use anti-glare glasses that are provided by your eye doctor. It is advised that the computer screen should be at least 20 inches away from your eyes.   

The gift of sight can’t be replaced.  Preventing eye injuries is the best plan. Consult your eye doctor today to know what’s best for your eyesight!