When employees and employers think about risks to eyesight in the workplace, they probably think about vocational trades like welding or manual labor jobs like construction. However, you might be surprised that all workplaces pose a threat to the health of your eyes which is why March is Workplace Eye Wellness month.
It is not just flying articles, radiation, or chemical burns that cause problems with your eyesight. Everyday office and classroom jobs like accountants or teachers have certain tasks that put your vision in jeopardy.
The blue light emitted from today’s smartphone screens and other devices may be causing issues with eyesight for those constantly looking at them. Not only is it eye fatigue that leads to dry eye and other discomforts caused by too much time staring at screens, but some experts warn of dangers even more grave to our eyesight long-term.
Eyestrain, blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, headaches, and even burning of the eyes are also associated with spending too much time in front of a computer. In as little as just three hours per day, the health of an employee’s eyes can suffer the effects of this hazard.
You may think a typical desk job is the safest for your eye health and vision. However, we can now see—pun intended—that those bound to their desks for long periods of time are at risk for other ailments.
Fortunately, eye protection is required by OSHA in manufacturing and some other jobs, but there are some safety measures all employees can take to protect their eyesight at work. One precaution every employer can take is encouraging the 20-20-20 rule.
The 20-20-20 rule is a simple discipline of taking a break every 20 minutes to focus on an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps an employee’s eyes recover from the effects of staring at a screen for long periods of time.
Along with eyewear and minor environmental tweaks, employers are wise to provide vision benefits so employees can receive regular eye exams from licensed ophthalmologists like those at Palmetto Eye & Laser Center. Schedule your appointment during workplace eye wellness month with Palmetto Eye & Laser Center. Call 864-583-6381 or use the online contact form to request more information on workplace eye wellness.
