Prevent blindness has declared March as Workplace Eye Wellness Month. Learn about eye injuries in addition to preventing digital eye strain.
Traditional Workplace Eye Wellness
Workplace eye wellness used to primarily mean wearing protective eyewear to prevent objects from damaging the eye. This is still true for many workplaces in the 21st century. In fact, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety states that 90% of workplace eye injuries are preventable by wearing the proper protection. We carry a full range of sport and safety glasses to protect your eyes from injury.
Eye care in the Digital Age
Have you spent more time on your screen over the past four years? You’re not alone! From working from home to Zoom calls, many have experienced an increase in digital screen time and digital eye strain.
Symptoms of digital eye strain (also referred to as computer vision syndrome), include tired, burning or itching eyes, dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. In order to help reduce the effects, Prevent Blindness recommends:
π Place your screen 20 to 26 inches away from your eyes and a little bit below eye level.
π Use a document holder placed next to your screen. It should be close enough so you donβt have to swing your head back and forth or constantly change your eye focus.
π‘ Change your lighting to lower glare and harsh reflections.
πͺ Get a chair you can adjust.
π₯οΈ Choose screens that can tilt and swivel. A keyboard that you can adjust is also helpful.
π Computer glasses with lenses that block blue light can help ease digital eye strain by increasing contrast.
β¨ Anti-reflective lenses reduce glare and increase contrast.
ποΈ Take frequent breaks by using the β20-20-20β rule, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association. Every 20 minutes look away from your screen and look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to rest and reset!