How to ensure eye safety in the workplace

Our eyesight is something that most of us take for granted. We wake up in the morning, get on with our usual routine, and probably prepare ourselves for work or an activity we enjoy without even thinking about it.

If it’s sunny or you’re doing a particular sport, you might grab some sunglasses to make your activity more comfortable and protect your eyes. However, people often overlook workplace eyecare. As it was Word Sight Day recently, we’d like to take a moment to consider eye safety in the workplace, as we believe this is just as important.

How to reduce digital eye strain

Digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome is a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged screen use. If you spend many hours a day in front of your phone, laptop, or TV and you’re experiencing symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or tension in your eyes, you may be experiencing digital eye strain.

You’ve likely heard of 20/20 vision (which indicates “normal” vision rather than superhuman sight), but have you heard of the 20/20/20 rule?

This guideline was recently developed to combat the stress the eyes are under with the excessive use of digital screens. The 20/20/20 rule advises you to look at something around 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Fixating on a screen close to our face for long periods can lead to many uncomfortable issues, so doing this allows our eyes a brief period to relax.

Screen position

It is also worthwhile ensuring your computer screen is positioned optimally, giving your eyes less of a burden throughout your day. Ideally, it should be:

• Around 16-18 inches from your face, angled slightly away.
• Approximately level with your eyes or just slightly below.
• With no visible reflections that can cause distractions.
• Consider the resolution and text size and adjust the screen color scheme to produce a warmer light.

Keep blinking

You may not be aware of your blinking frequency, but studies have shown that while using screens, we blink considerably less. Blinking is an important function of the eye as it helps lubricate the eyeball ensures fluidity of movement, and flushes out any foreign particles.

In addition to the 20/20/20 rule, it can help to take regular short breaks away from the screen to prevent your eyes from becoming dry and uncomfortable.

Vision safety

It might seem obvious, but it’s incredibly vital to emphasize the importance of wearing protective eyewear in some environments. Proper safety goggles can stop foreign objects, debris, and chemical contaminants from causing damage to your eyes. It doesn’t take much effort to put on a pair of goggles and they can prevent a lot of issues.

Keep checking

We recommend regular eye exams to monitor eye health and spot potential problems that you may not be aware of.

Here at Kvitle Eyecare Associates, we offer thorough exams, including lunchtime appointments, so hopefully, you can fit something into your work schedule. If you’re looking for an optometrist in Quincy, IL., you can either book online or get in touch with one of our team.