There is a wide range of ways that you could injure your eyes at your work place. Some are quite obvious, while others occur while you least expect it.

Here are some examples of work-related eye injuries:

Chemical eye burns

Both highly acidic and highly alkaline substances are toxic to the eye and can cause chemical eye burns if they come into contact with the surface of the eye. Alkaline substances present the greatest risk. Such substances are most commonly found in the workplace, for example in laboratory chemicals or industrial cleaning products.

Invasion of foreign bodies

The eye may sometimes get invaded by small foreign particles such as dust from manufacturing activities, which can cause irritation and inflammation. While foreign particles rarely cause lasting damage to the eyes, removal of irritating particles is necessary to avoid permanent eye damage.

Blunt trauma injuries

Blunt trauma injuries (i.e. injuries which do not penetrate the skin and do not result in external bleeding) to the eye occur as a result of being struck by a heavy object. They can cause the eye to bleed internally.


Allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is common amongst workers in food handling and agricultural lines of work, who are regularly exposed to particular spices, fruits and vegetables. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation such as sunlight is associated with working in an outdoor industry and also increases risk of allergies.


Eye diseases associated with ultraviolet radiation exposure

Outdoor workers are often exposed to ultraviolet radiation in the form of sunlight in excessive quantities. There are numerous eye diseases and disorders associated with the eyes’ exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Outdoor workers have an increased risk of developing these conditions.
Artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation are also found in a range of workplaces and is also damaging to the eyes. These include welding arcs, germicidal lamps and lasers.


Computer use disorders

Using a computer for extended periods of time is associated with a range of temporary eye disorders including pain and altered vision.