Workplace Eye Health & Safety

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 2,000 U.S. workers each day sustain a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment. Some common causes of workplace eye injuries are flying debris such as metal pieces or glass, tools, chemicals, harmful radiation and eye strain due to digital devices.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to ensure the safety of all employees in the work environment. Eye and face protection must be provided whenever necessary to protect against chemical, environmental, radiological or mechanical irritants and hazards.

Safety eyewear protection includes:

• Non-prescription and prescription safety glasses
• Goggles
• Face shields
• Welding helmets
• Full-face respirators

In an office setting, excessive computer, tablet, and smart phone use throughout the day increases the risk of digital eye strain, also referred to as computer vision syndrome (CVS). As the number of individuals working from home continues to rise so does the amount of time working remotely at a computer screen. Symptoms include tired, burning or itching eyes, dry eyes, blurred or double vision and headache.

Tips for minimizing problems associated with CVS:

• Use the 20-20-20 Rule: Look away from the screen every 20 minutes and stare at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Change your Screen Settings: Change the brightness and contrast on your smartphone or computer screen to a more comfortable level. There are also blue light filter settings available to adjust the “color temperature” of the display screen to a warmer color which reduces the amount of blue light exposure.
• Adjust your Seating: When using a computer be sure to adjust your chair to a comfortable height. The screen should be positioned at a downward 10 to 20-degree angle and located at an approximate viewing distance of 24 inches.
• Blink Often: Minimize your chances of developing dry eyes when using a computer by blinking frequently.
• Anti-reflective lenses: Reduce glare and increase contrast and also block blue light from digital devices.

The Eye Institute (TEI) offers a variety of services to treat patients experiencing symptoms of computer vision syndrome including comprehensive eye exams, specialty eyewear solutions and vision therapy. To schedule an appointment at TEI, call 215.276.6111.

The Eye Institute (TEI) offers a variety of diagnostic and treatment services including emergency care for eye injuries that require immediate attention. Patients of TEI can report to TEI’s Emergency Service during regular business hours. If emergency care is required after hours, patients who have had an exam in the past three years can call 215.604.4323.