March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month and if you assume this doesn’t apply to you, you would be wrong. Each day, over 2,000 suffer an eye injury and over one million people have lost their sight due to an eye injury. Most of us imagine workplace eye injuries as being related to construction or landscaping jobs but did you know that working in an office can be just as detrimental to your eyes?
For the entire month of March, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is reminding employees about the importance of wearing certified eye protection. Here are five tips for how you can protect your eyes on the job:
- Wear certified safety eyewear
One of the easiest ways to minimize workplace eye injuries is by wearing certified safety eyewear. Prevent Blindness America (PBA) has estimated that 90 percent of workplace injuries could be avoided if the proper eyewear is used. The type of safety eyewear you use depends largely on the work being done but all eyewear should be certified by the American National Standards Institute.
- Be aware of the risk of infection
If you work as a janitor, in a laboratory, or in the healthcare field you will need special eyewear to reduce the risk of eye infection.
- Remember the 20-20-20 rule
The most common eye problem is found in people who spend a lot of time working at their computer. Spending too much time at your computer without any breaks can result in headaches, dry eyes, neck and back pain, and eye strain. If you work in an office and spend a lot of time at your computer, a good rule to keep in mind is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes you should look at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Regularly use eye drops
Over-the-counter eye drops can be incredibly helpful for keeping your eyes comfortable and preventing dry, irritated eyes.
- Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams
Keep in mind that no safety eyewear can ever replace having regular comprehensive eye exams. Your doctor can look for any possible unseen injuries to your eyes as well as watch for signs of more serious conditions like glaucoma. Schedule an appointment with our office today at our Auburn location.