Depending mainly on which types of jobs are involved in work environment whether it requires physical labour or office jobs will determine the risks involved for eye injuries. Computer Vision Syndrome is a common eye problem these days as it is a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged working on the computer, using a tablet, reading from an e-reader and spending time on a cell phone.
To avoid digital eye strain, and keep your eyes safe from these issues you need to follow the 20-20-20 rule – take a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.
Work areas with a high risk for eye injuries include:
- Construction sites
- Manufacturing factories
- Mining areas
- Carpentry departments
- Auto repair works
- Electrical work
- Plumbing sites
- Welding works
- Maintenance department
Potential eye hazards that are present in workplaces are:
- Projectiles (dust, concrete, metal, wood and other particles)
- Chemicals (splashes and fumes)
- Radiation (ultraviolet radiation, heat or infrared radiation, and lasers)
- Bloodborne pathogens (hepatitis or HIV) from blood and body fluids
Types of safety eye protection as per the workplace:
- The area that has particles with flying objects or dust – wear safety glasses with side protection
- Working with chemicals – wear goggles
- Working near hazardous radiation – use special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields or helmets
Safety regulations from the employer’s side include:
- Regularly conduct an eye hazard assessment of the workplace
- Removing or reducing equipment’s that incur eye hazards
- Providing appropriate safety eyewear to workers
- Training every employee on how to use safety gears
Safety tips to help you avoid vision loss and take proper care of eyes:
- Understand the health history of your family and find out if you are at higher risk for eye diseases
Find out if any of your family members has a case history of eye diseases. If anyone suffering from diabetes or high blood pressure. As these diseases are hereditary there is an increase of risk for sight-threatening eye diseases.
- Keep a regular check for diabetes and high blood pressure
In many cases, diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to vision loss from diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and eye strokes. So, keeping a regular check will help you to prevent and diagnose early eye problems.
- Note any signs of changes in your vision
Having some trouble to look for double vision, hazy vision, red eyes, frequent flashes of light, eye pain and difficulty seeing in low light conditions. Then consult an eye doctor immediately and start your treatment. There are specialists out there who can help you out. One such name on the list is of PersonalEyes.
- Take time every day for exercise
Including regular exercise in your daily routines such as brisk walking and even yogasanas like Surya namaskar (sun salutation) can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
- Protect your eyes from harmful UV light
Always wear sunglasses before going out in the sun and shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. This will ultimately curb the risk of cataracts, and other eye problems.
- Eat a Balanced diet
Intake of potential antioxidants in an everyday meal can possibly reduce the risk of cataracts. Therefore, eat plentiful amounts of fruits and dark green vegetables and also consider supplementing your diet with eye vitamins to make sure you are getting adequate amounts of the nutrients to keep yourself healthy.
- Have routine eye checkup
A routine eye checkup once in 3 months can give you a proper understanding of your eye functions. The eye exam, which includes dilating your pupils, can determine your risk for major eye diseases and give you early warnings of the danger. It also ensures the eyeglasses or contact lenses that you use are up to date and there is no change in vision.
- Avoid smoking
As we know that smoking is injurious to overall health but when it comes to eye health, people who smoke are at greater risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, uveitis and other eye problems.
- Wear safety glasses
Using safety glasses or gears when working with tools or taking part in any sports activities will lend you support and protect your eyes from any hazards.
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