Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in General Eye Health on March 15, 2024
March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month. You only get one set of eyes, so protecting them at work is essential no matter your job!
Whether you’re working with hazardous materials that could injure your eyes or focusing on a computer screen for long hours, there are steps you can take to protect your eyes. Simple eye safety practices can ensure clearer vision for years to come.
Keep reading to learn how to protect your eyes during Workplace Eye Wellness Month!
Eye Safety Practices
Protective Eyewear
If you work in any profession involving a risk of debris or chemicals coming near your face, you should wear protective eyewear. Ideally, choose goggles or glasses that have side coverage.
Protection from all directions reduces the likelihood of debris injuring your eyes. Full face coverage, including side protection, is crucial if you work with chemicals or biohazards.
If you work with materials in high heat, such as welding, wear approved face protection for those activities. Most high-heat eye protection can be worn over glasses or contacts.
Eyewash Stations
Eyewash stations are common in workplaces where there is a risk of exposure to chemicals or gases. If your workplace has eyewash stations, you should familiarize yourself with the best practices for using them.
Many eyewash stations look like sinks or water fountains that emit a stream of tepid water to flush harmful materials from the eye. If there isn’t a permanent eyewash station, your workplace might have bottles of sterile eyewash that can be applied to the eyes like eyedrops.
It is critical to keep eyewash stations and supplies well-maintained. Your workplace should test the stations periodically to ensure their effectiveness when needed.
UV Protection
If you work outdoors, protecting your eyes from UV rays is essential. Wearing sunglasses that provide UV protection can reduce glare, making it easier to see and lowering the risk of accidents.
UV exposure can increase the risk of vision problems related to cataracts or age-related macular degeneration. While these conditions may not be preventable, protecting eyes from UV rays may slow their progression.
Screen Safety
Extended screen time can lead to eye strain, dryness, and discomfort. Taking regular breaks from looking at screens can give your eyes a much-needed rest.
Try to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. In addition, remember to blink while working on a screen.
People often blink less frequently when working on computers, which makes their eyes feel dry or gritty. Adjusting screen brightness can also reduce eye strain.
See Your Eye Doctor
Regular eye exams with your ophthalmologist at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, are the most critical factor for keeping your eyes healthy. During eye exams, your eye doctor can check your vision, prescribe the right visual aids, and examine your eyes for potential health issues.
Your eye doctor is also a valuable resource for eye safety. They can help you identify what protective equipment or workplace habits will best protect your eyes. If you have eye pain, changes to your vision, or sustain an eye injury, see your eye doctor right away.
Are you doing enough to protect your eyes? Schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today!
