Workplace Eye Wellness Month
Tips to Consider

According to the CDC, more than 2,000 US workers sustain eye injuries every day. We must educate people on how to address these preventable injuries. The first step is to have the workplace, whether it is a factory, an office, or a park, engage in the education and supervision of the safety of their staff. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to ensure the safety of all their employees. Eye and face protection must be provided whenever a potential exposure to chemical, radiological, or mechanical irritants are present.

Safety eyewear includes:

• Non-prescription / prescription safety glasses
• Google
• Face Shields
• Welding helmets
• Full face respirators

Eye wellness must also be taken into consideration in the office environment. Too much screen time and not enough breaks can lead to headaches, neck pains, back strain, and dry eyes. When we stare at a screen for an extended period, we are not blinking as often and thus the eyes are not getting lubricated. Lack of lubrication leads to dry eye symptoms a condition that can be quite bothersome and painful.

Here are some tips on ways to protect your eyes from dry eye syndrome:

• Remember the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Do not forget to blink
• Use artificial tears
• Drink water
• Schedule regular eye appointments with your eye physician.
• If you already have dry eyes, Rand Eye Institute offers special dry eye appointments on Tuesdays with Dr. Allison Rand.

Most eye conditions can be treated if caught early. An eye physician can prescribe and provide the tools to treat dry eye syndrome. Please do not procrastinate on scheduling your next eye appointment. Your vision is a precious gift, take care of it!