Let’s Take a Look at Workplace Eye Wellness

March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month. While we should keep our eyes safe at all times, this is a good time to review some basic eye safety tips and facts.

From the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

  • Each day, about 2,000 U.S. workers suffer a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment. Of these, some 25,000 end up visiting the emergency room each year.
  • Workplace eye injuries cost more than $300 million a year in lost productivity, treatment, and compensation.
  • The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that 90 percent of work-related eye injuries can be avoided with proper eye protection
  • The most common injuries range from simple eye strain, fatigue, and headaches, especially in the case of people working with computers and digital screens where they need to focus on small type for hours, to instances of trauma, which is typical for construction, manufacturing,and other industries requiring physical labor.
  • Without proper and prompt treatment, eye injuries can lead to permanent damage, vision loss, and blindness.
  • Protective eyewear appropriate for your workplace is a requisite. This can include eyewear designed to guard against flying debris, falling objects, chemicals, intense light, and heat. This could include special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or even helmets.
  • Keep your laptop or desktop computer monitor about 25 inches away(arm’s length) from your face to reduce eye strain. Adjust the font size to appear larger at that distance if necessary.
  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Take a break every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This allows your eyes to relax and blink regularly again, which lubricates your eyes and helps alleviate eye strain.
  • Many newsmartphones and tablets produce a strong glare that aggravates the eyes. Lowering screen brightness or using a matte filter can reduce eye strain.
  • Adjust lighting in your work space or office, especially if your computer screen is brighter than your surroundings.

DEALING WITH AN EYE INJURY

If an eye injury does occur, the American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests following these broad guidelines.

  • Do not touch, rub, or apply pressure to the eye.
  • Do not try to remove an object stuck in the eye.
  • Do not apply ointment or medication to the eye.
  • Remember that even light blows can cause significant eye injury.
  • In case of a suspected chemical burn, immediately flush the eye with clean water.
  • To treat sand or small debris in the eye immediately flush with eyewash.
  • See your doctor as soon as possible, preferably an ophthalmologist, or visit the emergency room as necessary.

CONCERNED ABOUT EYE SAFETY?

If you are concerned about eye safety at work, at school, or in sports, the eye professionals at Sunglass and Optical Warehouse can help explain various options for safety prescription eyewear and sunglasses.

Our optometrists can assess your vision in the context of whatever sport or activity you or your family member is engaged in, then recommend the proper eyeglasses, shades, or contacts.

We’ll will work with you to . . .

  • Select the appropriate right lenses, frames, and designs for your sport, industry, or activity.
  • Ensure that the eyewear you’re buying goes through rigorous testing to ensure ruggedness, durability, and suitability to your activity.
  • Properly fit the eyewear so that it’s comfortable and desirable to wear, because if you don’t wear it, then you’re not protected.
  • Ensure the glasses not only fit your face and your lifestyle, but they look good on you too (there’s no reason to sacrifice fashion for protection)!

Sunglass and Optical Warehouse is San Diego’s premier provider of prescription and non-prescription sunglasses, including performance eyewear brands and safety glasses for work, tactical, and sports applications from Rudy Project, Smith, Wiley X, Spy, Electric, and many others.

Contact Us Today.

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