Posted by: Eye Centers of Florida in Eye Health

Your Vision is Priceless, Protect It

Workplace Eye Wellness Month

Many people underestimate how important it is to practice proper eye safety until it’s too late. In fact, over 2,000 people injure their eyes at work every day, and 10-20 percent of those injuries cause temporary or permanent vision loss. This means that as many as 140,000 people suffer vision loss each year resulting from a workplace injury.

At Eye Centers of Florida, we believe that vision is priceless, and we want to help you experience the gift of sight every day for the rest of your life. In order to celebrate Workplace Eye Wellness Month, we’ve curated a few tips for eye safety. Whether you’re working outside or in the office, put these tips into practice to ensure that your eyes are properly protected.

Anti-radiation Glasses

Your Eyes May Be in More Danger Than You Think

Eye injuries don’t discriminate. No matter your profession — office worker, cook, nurse, janitor, plumber, or building contractor — your eyes may be in danger from countless everyday hazards.

Eye injuries can be caused by:

  • Projectiles (like bits of glass, wood, or metal)
  • Chemicals
  • Radiation
  • Dangerous heavy equipment or tools
  • Steam
  • Splashes from oil or grease
  • Pathogens from blood or other bodily fluids

Working at a Computer? Protect Your Eyes

For some, working with digital screens is necessary for their job. On average, Americans spend seven hours a day working on the computer. When you look at a backlit screen, be it your phone, television, or computer, you’re exposing your eyes to blue light. Prolonged exposure to blue light can cause health problems, including neck and shoulder pain, eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes.

If your job requires you to spend long amounts of time staring at a screen, it’s important to learn how to care for your eyes and reduce irritating symptoms of digital eye strain. Consider employing the following tips:

  • Use the 20-20-20 Rule: For every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
  • Wear glasses that protect against blue light: Some glasses are specially designed to block glare and blue light, protecting your eyes and alleviating symptoms of digital eye strain
  • Remember to blink frequently

It’s Time to Wear the Proper (OSHA-Compliant) Eyewear

When it comes to eye safety, it’s easier to be proactive rather than reactive. Safety experts and eye doctors alike say that using the right eye protection can lessen the severity of, or even prevent, 90 percent of eye injuries in the workplace.

If you work in a workplace with many hazards, take some time to truly understand what type of protection you should have for your eyes. The dangers you’re exposed to will determine what kind of protection you require. Types of eye protection include:

  • Goggles
  • Face shields and helmets
  • Welding masks
  • Full-face respirators
  • Safety glasses
Contstruction Goggles Eye Protection
When considering your eye protection, make sure that it’s compliant with regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This will ensure that the eyewear is quality and your eyes are protected properly. Also, eye protection should fit well and be free of scratches and dirt that may obstruct vision.

In the Case of an Eye Emergency…

When it comes to eye safety, it’s easier to be proactive rather than reactive. Safety experts and eye doctors alike say that using the right eye protection can lessen the severity of, or even prevent, 90 percent of eye injuries in the workplace.

If you work in a workplace with many hazards, take some time to truly understand what type of protection you should have for your eyes. The dangers you’re exposed to will determine what kind of protection you require. Types of eye protection include:

  • Goggles
  • Face shields and helmets
  • Welding masks
  • Full-face respirators
  • Safety glasses

Protect Your Vision Every Day

Vision is used in nearly every aspect of life — it should be protected at all costs. While it’s important to learn how to protect your eyes during Workplace Eye Wellness Month, proper eye protection should be practiced every day.

If you want to learn more about how to protect your eyes, including if you’re searching for OSHA-compliant eyewear or blue light-blocking glasses, stop by one of our Eye Centers of Florida locations or contact us at (239) 320-7342.