News & Events

March is Workplace Eye Wellness month! Did you know that nearly 25,000 Americans visit emergency rooms annually due to eye injuries in the workplace?

During this month-long observance, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and eye care professionals across the nation encourage employers and workers alike to use better eye safety practices at work, including wearing certified eye protection on the job.

An estimated 90% of workplace eye injuries could be prevented simply by using protective eyewear. From manufacturing to medical offices, many work environments pose risks to our eye health. Chemical spills can cause burns and irritation, while working with machinery or sharp instruments can cause physical trauma should an accident occur. However, many of these risk factors can be mitigated with the use of protective eyewear.

Workplace eye wellness practices aren’t limited to environments with chemicals, machines, or sharp instruments. Those who work in office environments often deal with eye strain from poring over documents or staring at a computer screen for many hours each day. Eye strain may sound mild, but it can cause headaches, blurred vision, and reduce your overall efficiency and comfort at work.

To mitigate the effects of eye strain, office workers should be sitting at least an arm’s length from their computer or other reading material, adjust the room lighting, and use artificial tears when feeling dry. You can also try looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to give your eyes a break. Finally, always make sure to stay hydrated.

Wherever you work, make sure to take more steps that help you and your team maintain healthy eyes this month and beyond!