 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
|
||
 |
||
 |
Archived Newsletters
| March is Workplace Eye Safety Month |
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has designated March as Workplace Eye Safety Month because the workplace is one of the most common sites for eye injury. Each working day in the United States, more than 2,000 employees sustain job-related eye injuries. Of these injuries, 10 to 20 percent will be disabling because of temporary or permanent vision loss. This is due to significant eye hazards present within many workplace setting that can lead to eye injury, vision loss, diability and blindness.
The number of job-related eye injuries can be reduced with the implementation of an effective eye care program that includes the use of safety eyewear. According to experts, 90 percent of all job-related eye injuries can be prevented with proper eyewear. To keep eyes protected from dangers, such as flying fragments and splashes, safety glasses must have ANSI Z87.1 (impact resistant) marked on the frame or lens. Safety eyewear should be worn whenever there is a chance that machines or activities present a hazard of flying objects, chemicals, harmful radiation, or a combination of these or other hazards exist.
Computers and your eyes
As more people use computers in the workplace, complaints of eye fatigue, difficulty focusing and discomfort have become common. We've moved into the computer age but often our offices haven't. Lighting, furniture and desk configurations that worked fine for typewriters, add to fatigue and discomfort when working with computers.
Computers screens don't damage vision, but you might still experience eye strain. Fortunately, rearranging your computer workstation, taking more frequent rest breaks, or getting proper glasses or contact lenses can often relieve these symptoms.
In addition, heating and air conditioning systems in office buildings can increase problems with dry eyes. Dry eyes occur when the eye doesn't produce enough tears to keep the eye comfortable. Usual symptoms include stinging or burning eyes, scratchiness, a feeling that there's something in the eye, excessive tearing or difficulty wearing contact lenses. Preservative-free over-the-counter eye drops usually do the trick, but if problems persist, see your eye doctor for an evaluation.
Created on 3/1/2004
