Adults usually spend at least half of their day doing their jobs. Eye safety is essential no matter where your workplace is, whether you work in construction or at home. This Workplace Eye Wellness Month, we share some reminders on how to keep your eyes safe while working.
Here are eye wellness tips for employees.
People whose jobs involve handling chemicals and those in construction are at higher risk for eye injuries. Among the most common workplace-related eye injuries are chemical burns, eye damage from ultraviolet (UV) light exposure and punctures to the eyes. Standard eyeglasses, contact lenses and sunglasses won’t provide sufficient protection to your eyes. If you use high-power tools at work or handle harsh substances, make sure to wear proper eye protection.
Spending a significant amount of time in front of computer screens, tablets and other smart devices can cause digital eye strain. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), individuals who continuously spend at least two hours working on a digital screen every day are more likely to develop this eye condition. Eye strain, blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches and neck and shoulder pain characterize digital eye strain.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can avoid digital eye strain. Even simply giving your eyes a break from time to time can help prevent discomfort. Follow the 20-20-20 rule where for every 20 minutes, you look 20 feet away from your monitor for 20 seconds.
Improper posture and viewing distances can also cause digital eye strain. Position your monitor 20 to 26 inches away from your eyes and a little below eye level. Moreover, you can avoid dry eyes by consciously blinking while using your computer. It may help to tweak your display settings, such as increasing the text size or increasing brightness.
At Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry, we’re here to assist with all your eye care needs. Call us at (703) 660-9494, or fill out our contact form to request an appointment. We help patients in Alexandria, VA, and nearby communities.