Workplace Eye Wellness Month

Highlighting the need for eye health in all job settings, March welcomes Workplace Eye Wellness Month. Drawing attention to the different risks workers face.

Problems like dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision are becoming more common with many workers spending long periods in front of screens. Whereas more industrial environments pose the risk of hazards like chemicals or debris which can result in serious injuries if the appropriate safety eyewear is not used.

Workplace Eye Wellness Month is to raise awareness of these varied dangers to our eyes and encourage practices to protect eye health while at work. By doing so you can also maintain comfort and productivity throughout the workday

In the office taking regular eye breaks, and ensuring you are wearing the appropriate eyewear can help reduce strain and prevent accidents.

For your breaks guidelines suggest a good way to stay on top of this is adopting the 20-20-20 rule:
Every 20 minutes spent using a screen, try to look away at something that is 20 feet away for a total of 20 seconds. This is how long it takes for your eyes to reset and relax.

Other tools to help you avoid eye strain could be to:
Be mindful of your lighting.
Glare filters over your screens can help.
Adjustable chairs/desks

If you work with hazardous chemicals or debris, you should familiarise yourself with the safety measures in place to protect you, as well as wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

While all of these tips will support you in your protecting your eyesight and health you must not forget the most important: Regular Eye tests!

A regular eye examination is an important health check for everyone. You should have an eye test every two years or as often as recommended by your optician. An eye examination can often detect the early signs of many eye and general health conditions, these include glaucoma, diabetes, and raised blood pressure or cholesterol levels.