March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month. When you think about your eye health, you may not think of how you treat your eyes at work.
You know to wear sunglasses when you’re outside, but how do you protect your eyes if you work indoors? There are a few things to consider, but most concerns come from spending too much time on the computer.
Keep reading to learn more about protecting your eyes during Workplace Eye Wellness Month!
Screen Time
In almost every office, employees spend most of their time looking at a computer screen. Spending too much time staring at a screen can be harmful to your eyes.
There are a few symptoms that can show you may have eye strain from too much screen time:
- Dry eye
- Neck pain
- Sore eyes
- Headache
- Blurry vision
- Teary eyes
If you suffer from these symptoms, you may have Computer Vision Syndrome. The good news is that you can treat this syndrome by simply practicing certain habits when you work on a screen.
Hazardous Environments
Whether you work in an office environment or not, there are always hazards to look for. It’s important to be aware when it comes to your eye health.
If you’re working in an office on a computer, poor lighting can make it more likely that you’ll experience eye strain. Being fatigued at work can also have similar effects.
If at all possible, make sure that the light around your computer is adequate. Your light source shouldn’t only come from your computer screen.
If you don’t work in an office, there may be other environmental hazards to consider. No matter where you work, there are ways to reduce your risk of eye damage. How? The best thing you can do is to follow safety guidelines!
Safety Tips
Your workplace should have standard safety guidelines. Regardless, there are things you can do in any setting to make your environment safer:
Eye Protection
If you work with hazardous materials, be sure to wear proper eye protection. Depending on your environment, this may be goggles, a face shield, or a helmet.
Also, be sure to familiarize yourself with emergency eye washing stations. These are usually kept on sites where chemicals are used.
Taking a Break From Screens
If you have Computer Vision Syndrome and use a computer to do most of your work, it isn’t reasonable to stop using a computer. Instead, be sure to take regular breaks.
Following the 20-20-20 rule is a good way to keep from getting eye strain. It’s easy to follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every twenty minutes, look at an object twenty feet away for twenty seconds before resuming computer work.
This simple task can reduce your eye strain significantly.
Awareness
Being aware of safety protocol and how your eyes are feeling can prevent damage to your eyes. Don’t ignore any symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome.
If you experience symptoms, see your eye doctor. They can confirm that these symptoms aren’t from a more serious condition.
Even if you’re diagnosed with Computer Vision Syndrome, your doctor can give you advice on how to reduce your symptoms. It is possible to safely work on a screen for extended periods of time.
Concerned about the safety of your eyes in the workplace? Schedule an appointment at Eyecare Medical Group in Portland, ME to discuss your options!
