You may be surprised to learn that nearly 25,000 Americans take a trip to the emergency room due to an eye injury that occurred while at work each year. The real problem is even bigger than what is illustrated by trips to the ER. Almost 2,000 workers sustain a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment every day.

March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month; which is a great opportunity for the American Academy of Ophthalmology to remind employers just how important wearing certified eye protection is to the overall health of employees.

Wearing certified and approved eye protection can easily be overlooked (pun intended) or viewed as a way to cut costs. The minimal savings up front will most surely be swallowed up by what employers end up paying after an injury. Workplace eye injuries cost more than $300 million a year in lost productivity, treatment, and compensation. Much of this cost can be avoided with certified and approved eye protection.

The Real Cost of Not Protecting Workers’ Eyes Comes Later

Not only is the right protection a must, but it would also save employers in the long run to provide ways for employees to maintain overall eye health. This allows employees to take ownership of their own eye health; which can include regular vision screenings and other regular practices of maintaining eye wellness.

This is Not Just an Issue for Manual Labor Jobs

You may think eye injuries only occur in traditional manufacturing jobs. However, with the rise of technology in the workplace, an even bigger culprit is now threatening our eyesight. We experience eye fatigue and discomfort when we spend long hours working in front of a computer. This is partly due to focusing on small font type for hours in a row; which can also cause headaches along with the eye strain.

Staring at digital displays; which includes computer monitors, reduces an individual’s blink rate by up to 50%. This in turn causes the eyes to become red and parched, leading to the potential of further irritation.

There is Something You Can Do To Improve Your Eye Health

Along with wearing certified and approved eyewear, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends positioning your computer monitor at an arm’s length from your face. There are other tricks to maintaining eye health in the workplace. For example, take a break every 20 minutes to focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Still, the best defense is proper eyewear. Whether you are an employer or an employee, we at Palmetto Eye & Laser Center can make sure you are covered when it comes to optimal eye care and protection. Call us at (864) 583-6382 or use our online contact form.