Did you know that over 2,000 people in the US suffer eye injuries every day? And a lot of these injuries happen in the workplace. According to YourSightMatters.com, significant expenses from lost work time, medical attention, and workers’ compensation can accumulate from these injuries.
That’s why March is dedicated to eye health and safety in the workplace. It’s easy to assume which workplaces result in the most eye injuries. But the most common type of workplace eye injury is from computer use.
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is caused by periods of ongoing screen time without adequate breaks. Some symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, neck pain, fatigue, and eye strain.
Here are a few things you can do to help prevent CVS and keep your eyes healthy and safe.
Adjust your screen. Most computers have settings that allow you to adjust the brightness and tone. Choosing something that matches the light and color temperature of the environment you are working in will help combat eye strain, as will investing in anti-glare filters for your screens. The way your monitor is positioned is an important factor, too. The best monitor position is 20-30 inches away from your face with your eyes level with the top so you are looking down at your work (but not too far).
Follow the 2020(20) rule. In 2020, remember the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, you should look at an object 20 feet away from you for at least 20 seconds.
Stay hydrated. While it may be an involuntary action, too much screen time can lead to a lack of blinking, which can dry out your eyes. Remind yourself to blink during screen time and keep some over-the-counter eye drops at your desk for those days when your eyes need a little extra moisture. Drinking enough water can also make a difference in your eye health, especially during the winter months.
Get your eyes checked! Having regular eye exams is just as important as going to the dentist. And, of course, if you ever have any concerns about your vision, you should make an appointment.
Taking steps to take care of your eyes now will help prevent vision loss in the future. To learn more about Workplace Eye Wellness Month, visit YourSightMatters.com.