Our eyes are one of our most precious senses, and they play a vital role in our ability to work safely and productively. Many people face constant eye strain at work or significant risk to their vision from workplace eye hazards.
In this article, we will explore in detail about eye safety in the workplace, discover what it entails, why it’s paramount, common vision problems that people experience in the workplace, types of work-related eye injuries, and most importantly, eye safety tips to maintain workplace eye safety.
Why Is Eye Safety Important In The Workplace?
Workplace eye safety is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a matter of fundamental well-being. Eye injuries in the workplace can have a devastating impact on your life. They can cause temporary or permanent vision loss, as well as pain, discomfort, and lost productivity. Eye injuries can also lead to expensive medical bills and even job loss.
Here are some compelling reasons why prioritizing eye safety at work is crucial:
- Protection Against Injury – The eyes are incredibly delicate and vulnerable. A single accident or exposure to hazardous substances can lead to permanent vision impairment or blindness.
- Ischemic optic neuropathy – due to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve
- Autoimmune optic neuropathy – linked to disorders like lupus or sarcoidosis
- Compressive optic neuropathy – caused by tumours or masses pressing on the optic nerve
Vision Problems In The Workplace
Several vision problems can arise in a workplace setting due to factors like prolonged screen time, poor lighting, exposure to dust or chemicals, and eye strain. Here are some common eye problems to be aware of:
- Eyestrain – Eyestrain is a common eye problem that can be caused by prolonged concentration on close-up tasks, working in poor lighting conditions, or looking at bright objects. Symptoms of eyestrain include eye fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, discomfort and reduced focus.
- Dry Eye Syndrome – Dry eyes occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears to keep the surface of your eyes moist. Air conditioning, heating, or dry office environments can lead to insufficient tear production. Symptoms of dry eyes include eye irritation, burning, and redness.
- Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) – Merely being employed in an office, seated at your computer desk, can expose you to the possibility of developing Computer vision syndrome (CVS), a group of eye and vision problems that can occur from prolonged computer use. Symptoms of CVS include eyestrain, dry eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain.
- Workplace eye injuries – Workplace eye injuries can be caused by flying objects, chemicals, burns, and other hazards. Symptoms of eye injuries can include pain, vision loss, and redness.
Common Eye Injuries in The Workplace
In addition to these vision problems, there is also the risk of work-related eye injuries which can range from minor scratches to severe eye damage that can have serious consequences. Some of the most common work-related eye injuries include:
- Foreign Object Injuries – Tiny particles like dust, wood, metal shavings, or flying debris can enter the eye and cause corneal abrasions, scratches, irritation and other damage.
- Chemical Exposure – Exposure to chemicals or hazardous substances can lead to chemical burns which can cause eye irritation, severe damage, or vision loss.
- Mechanical Trauma – This includes injuries generated while operating tools, equipment, or machinery, as well as welding flashes in industries like construction, manufacturing, and metalworking operations.
- Thermal Burns – Contact with intense heat sources, such as ovens, welding apparatus, or industrial substances like molten plastics or hot gases, can swiftly penetrate the eye, causing severe injury or complete loss of vision.
- Blunt Force Trauma – Sudden impact to the eye from an object, such as a ball, fist, or blunt instrument can cause pain, bruising and swelling of the eye, bleeding inside the eye, or a retinal detachment. It can also lead to blurred vision, double vision, loss of vision, or sensitivity to light.
- Radiation Exposure – Eye damage can develop gradually over time from exposure to ionizing radiation, such as from x-rays or radioisotopes, and bright ultraviolet light emitted by tanning lamps, welding arcs, or electric sparks.
- Exposure to Infectious Diseases – Direct contact with infected blood and respiratory droplets, or contaminated hands touching the face or eyes can put healthcare professionals in the medical field at an elevated risk of contracting workplace eye infections.
How To Ensure Eye Safety in The Workplace
Now that we’ve explored the importance of workplace eye wellness and the potential issues, let us discuss how to prevent eye injuries in the workplace. Maintaining good eyesight is essential for productivity, independence, and overall quality of life. It’s imperative that we prioritize our eye health today to ensure a lifetime of clear vision. Fortunately, workplace eye injuries are preventable with proper safety measures. Here are some practical eye safety tips for employers and employees at the workplace.
If you are an employee, there are a number of things you can do to keep your eyes healthy at work, including:
- Scan Your Work Area For Hazards Before Starting Work – Inspect your surroundings to identify and address potential dangers that could pose a risk to your eyes or vision.
- Wear Protective Eyewear – If your job involves exposure to eye hazards such as flying particles or chemicals, always use safety glasses with side shields. If you work involves lasers, fiber optics or welding, use eye protection that fits correctly, such as specially designed safety goggles, welding helmets, or face shields.
- Use Proper Lighting – Employ sufficient illumination when engaging in detailed tasks or close work to reduce eye strain.
- Stay Hydrated & Use Artificial Tears – Drink enough water to prevent dry eyes, especially in dry office environments. If you experience dry eyes, try using artificial tears to keep your eyes moist.
- Get Regular Eye Exams – Visit an eye doctor regularly who can detect and address eye issues or vision problems early.
- Take Breaks From Computer Use – If you spend a lot of time working on a computer, be sure to take breaks every 20-30 minutes to look away from the screen and focus on something else. This reduces eye strain from prolonged screen use.
- Computer Eye Safety – Position your monitor at eye level to reduce strain on your neck and eyes. Ensure your workspace is well-lit and use anti-glare screens to reduce eye strain.
- Emergency Eye Care – If you believe your work environment is impacting your vision or you encounter a workplace eye emergency, it’s crucial to act promptly and seek immediate attention from an eye specialist.
If you are an employer, there are a number of things you can do to promote workplace eye wellness, including:
- Educate employees about the importance of eye health and safety.
- Encourage new hires to follow all safety procedures to prevent workplace eye injuries. Provide employees with the appropriate eye protection.
- Provide employees with the appropriate eye protection.
- Learn and practice first aid procedures for common workplace injuries, and keep your first aid kit well-stocked.
- Offer employees regular breaks from computer use.
- Encourage employees to get regular eye exams.
Together, we can help to create a workplace where everyone’s eyes are safe and healthy.
Narayana Nethralaya, a leading super specialty eye hospital, is equipped with the most advanced technology and facilities to provide the best quality care for all eye conditions. Our team of highly skilled and experienced doctors possess the expertise to diagnose and treat all your eye care needs.We also house an exclusive dry eye clinic, offering comprehensive evaluation and solutions for computer vision syndrome. Don’t let eye strain impact your work productivity!
Schedule an appointment at Narayana Nethralaya today and experience the difference in clear vision.