March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month

March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month

What does this mean? Many people consider work related eye injuries to only include work done outside (construction, landscaping, etc.). While it’s very important to wear safety glasses for any type of work that may cause a physical injury to your eye, it’s also important to protect your eyes from computer fatigue.

Helpful tips at the computer:

1. 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds.
2. Remember to blink: when we work at the computer, we become so focused on our work that we usually forget to blink as often as we do normally.
3. Use artificial tears.
4. Adjust your screen: Keep it away from a light source that can cause glare. You may want to even invest in anti-reflective glasses.

If you are working with power tools or other equipment that could physically damage your eyes, please make sure your eye protection fits your face well and completely covers your eyes. This includes safety glasses, goggles, face shields, welding helmets, and full-face respirators.

Of course, even with proper protection, eye injuries do happen. If you find you have something in your eye, please do not rub your eye! Rinse thoroughly with water and call your eye care professional for help.