Do's and Don’ts for Workplace Eye Wellness

​Eye injuries can occur anywhere, including at work. Depending on your job, you may have an increased risk of eye issues, such as injuries or infections. Even if your job is low risk, injuries and eye problems can develop. 
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How common are workplace eye injuries? 

​According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, in the United States, almost 25,000 people seek emergency treatment for work-related eye injuries every year. March is Workplace Wellness Eye Awareness month, so it’s a good time to learn more about how to keep our eyes safe and healthy on the job. 
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​There are several potential hazards at work. For example, if you work with tools, flying debris or dust can injure the eye. If you work around toxic chemicals, it is possible to get splashed in the eye, which can lead to chemical burns and even vision loss. The extent of workplace eye injuries can range from mild to severe.
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There are several things you can do to prevent workplace eye injuries and keep your eyes healthy. Consider the following dos and don’ts:

Do use appropriate eyewear for the task: Make sure you are wearing the appropriate eyewear for the activity you are doing. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) developed standards for workplace eyewear for various situations. For example, some situations may call for safety goggles and a face shield. If you are unsure of which type of protective eyewear to use, speak to your supervisor or check with OSHA.

Don’t compromise on safety: We all sometimes rush through a task to get it completed. Skipping protective eyewear can lead to an injury that may really slow you down. Don’t compromise on eye safety even if you think nothing will go wrong. Eye injuries can happen in an instant. It is always better to err on the side of caution and use safety eyewear.

Do make sure protective eyewear fits: Protective eyewear should fit snuggly around your eyes. It should also cover the entire eye area.

Don’t rub your eyes if you get an injury: If you do get an eye injury, even a minor one, such as a particle in your eye, do not rub it. Rubbing the eye may lead to a corneal scratch. To get dust or sand out of the eye, flush it with clean water. If you cannot remove the debris, seek professional care.

Do wash hands frequently: Eye injuries are not the only danger at work. We are all surrounded every day by germs, such as viruses and bacteria. Make it a habit to wash your hands often to prevent getting or spreading an infection. It only takes a minute to wash your hands, but it can prevent eye infections.

Don’t ignore an injury: If you do injure your eyes at work, seek treatment. In some cases, it may be obvious that you sustained an injury. If that is the case, you should get immediate emergency treatment. In other instances, an eye injury may seem minor, and you might decide to ignore it, but you should see your eye doctor just to be on the safe side.

Do follow proper infection control protocols: Workplace eye injuries do not only involve blunt force or flying debris. Pathogens, such as blood and mucus, can also get into the eyes, especially if you are a healthcare worker. Follow your healthcare facility’s infection control protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

Don’t smoke: Although smoking itself does not lead to an injury, it is bad for your overall eye health. If you do get injured, smoking can slow the healing process.

Do get regular eye exams: Although getting eye exams is not directly related to workplace eye injuries, it is good for your overall eye health. Getting regular eye exams helps keep your eyes healthy. It will help your doctor determine if you have any potential eye issues before symptoms become severe.

If you have any questions about workplace eye safety, please call our office. Remember, if you get an eye injury, it is important to get it checked out. If you would like to schedule an exam with one of our eye doctors, please phone us at 508-746-8600.