“Bright” Ways to Protect Your Eyes at Work

Did you know that 700,000 people injure their eyes at work each year? Workplace eye safety is something that isn’t often given the attention it deserves, at least outside of the standard precautions.

See, most people know about the most obvious risks. People who work in industries where sharp objects, flying debris, and other hazards are (literally) in your face are well-aware of the occupational dangers they’re presented with. But there are some unlikely opportunities for eye injury that you might not think about.

At Eye Centers of Florida, our goal is to use March, which is Workplace Eye Wellness Awareness Month, to educate on some of lesser-known hazards to which you may be exposing your eyes while you’re at work.

The Eye Health Risks of Excessive Screen Time

People who handle their day-to-day in an office setting don’t usually consider themselves to be putting their eyes in danger. This is simply untrue. Digital Eye Strain—also known as Computer Vision Syndrome—can affect anyone who looks at a computer, phone, tablet, television, or other screens for a prolonged period of time.

Computer Vision Syndrome is marked by pain or soreness in the neck and shoulders as well as eye dryness and discomfort and other symptoms, including:

• Eyestrain
• Headaches
• Blurry vision
• Loss of focus

While Digital Eye Strain can affect anyone, people who work on computers at their jobs are naturally at a higher risk. Fortunately, as more and more employers enter the so-called “digital age”, eye health groups are offering solutions.

One that the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends is the “20-20-20″ rule. According to the AOA, you should take a 20-second break every 20 minutes, during which you should try to focus on something 20 feet away from you. If you continue to experience digital eye strain, talk to your eye doctor about customized computer glasses to optimize reading clarity, and reduce glare.

The Hidden Risks Working Outside

Of course, you always make sure to wear your sunglasses at the beach. That’s non-negotiable. But if you’re working outside, are you thinking about the safety of your eyes?

The fact is that people who work outside often use protective eyewear to protect their eyes from physical hazards but not the natural radiation from the sun. For example, people who work in the green industry: gardeners, landscape architects, arborists, turf managers and those in similar professions. If you’re trimming hedges, you might put on goggles to protect against flying debris, but what about risks from extended sun exposure?

This lack of awareness may be neglect, but more likely, it’s because people don’t realize the true threat of constant sun exposure. Here are seven prevalent myths about UV light.

Here’s an instant solution to any potential risks to your eyes from long-term sun exposure, whether you need them for work or for any other purpose: invest in a high-quality pair of sunglasses.

You can find a wide selection of sunglasses at Eye Centers of Florida, and once you find a pair you like, you’re in luck. Right now, at all of our locations, you can take advantage of our coupon for 40% off any pair of non-prescription sunglasses when you purchase your annual supply of contact lenses.

Did you know that 700,000 people injure their eyes at work each year? Workplace eye safety is something that isn’t often given the attention it deserves, at least outside of the standard precautions.

See, most people know about the most obvious risks. People who work in industries where sharp objects, flying debris, and other hazards are (literally) in your face are well-aware of the occupational dangers they’re presented with. But there are some unlikely opportunities for eye injury that you might not think about.

At Eye Centers of Florida, our goal is to use March, which is Workplace Eye Wellness Awareness Month, to educate on some of lesser-known hazards to which you may be exposing your eyes while you’re at work.

The Eye Health Risks of Excessive Screen Time

People who handle their day-to-day in an office setting don’t usually consider themselves to be putting their eyes in danger. This is simply untrue. Digital Eye Strain—also known as Computer Vision Syndrome—can affect anyone who looks at a computer, phone, tablet, television or other screen for a prolonged period of time.

Computer Vision Syndrome is marked by pain or soreness in the neck and shoulders as well as eye dryness and discomfort and other symptoms, including:

• Eye strain
• Headaches
• Blurry vision
• Loss of focus

While Digital Eye Strain can affect anyone, people who work on computers at their jobs are naturally at a higher risk. Fortunately, as more and more employers enter the so-called “digital age”, eye health groups are offering solutions.

One that the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends is the “20-20-20″ rule. According to the AOA, you should take a 20 second break every 20 minutes, during which you should try to focus on something 20 feet away from you. If you continue to experience digital eye strain, talk to your eye doctor about customized computer glasses to optimize reading clarity and reduce glare.

The Hidden Risks Working Outside

Of course, you always make sure to wear your sunglasses at the beach. That’s non-negotiable. But if you’re working outside, are you thinking about the safety of your eyes?

The fact is that people who work outside often use protective eyewear to protect their eyes from physical hazards but not the natural radiation from the sun. For example, people who work in the green industry: gardeners, landscape architects, arborists, turf managers and those in similar professions. If you’re trimming hedges, you might put on goggles to protect against flying debris, but what about risks from extended sun exposure?

This lack of awareness may be neglect, but more likely, it’s because people don’t realize the true threat of constant sun exposure. Here are seven prevalent myths about UV light.

Here’s an instant solution to any potential risks to your eyes from long-term sun exposure, whether you need them for work or for any other purpose: invest in a high-quality pair of sunglasses.

You can find a wide selection of sunglasses at Eye Centers of Florida, and once you find a pair you like, you’re in luck. Right now, at all of our locations, you can take advantage of our coupon for 40% off any pair of non-prescription sunglasses when you purchase your annual supply of contact lenses.