Keeping your eyes healthy in the work place
Whether you’re glued to a screen all day, driving long hours, or exposed to dusty and stifling atmospheres, your working environment can take its toll on your eyes. As most people spend around one third of their lives in work and are now working well into their seventies, it makes sense to take precautions to protect your eyes. Here are some of the common risk factors to watch out for and how you can keep your eyes healthy in the work place.
Monitor your screen time
These days, many jobs involve some sort of computer use. Prolonged screen use of laptops, e-readers, tablets, video displays or mobile phones. While using a screen you naturally reduce the number of blinks you make, this can lead to eye strain and discomfort as well as exacerbating the symptoms of conditions such as dry eye.
All employers have a duty to ensure computers and workstations are risk assessed whether employees are working in the office or at home. It’s important that your workstation is set up correctly and regular breaks are implemented – Display Screen Equipment (DSE) regulations suggest a 5–10-minute screen break or change of activity every hour.1
Adjust your working environment
Make sure you have adequate lighting before attempting any tasks. Adjust the brightness on your screen to reduce glare that can make eyes feel uncomfortable and never read in dull or dimly lit conditions.
Air conditioning and heating can dry out your eyes and make them feel irritated. Vents that aren’t properly cleaned can also contain mould and spores that make eye allergies worse. Try to avoid sitting directly under units or having hot or cold air blowing into your face.
Book regular eye tests
If you do a job that requires intensive concentration, such as driving a lorry, or lots of close-up work, like furniture restoration, make sure you get your eyes checked regularly. Always wear glasses at work if you need them and keep your prescriptions up to date with regular eye exams. Not all employers have to pay for eye tests for staff but if you are a regular screen user due to your job they are required to by law.1
Wear appropriate eye protection
Some jobs present risks to your eyes due to the industry you work in. For instance, you might work in a laboratory or in a factory where chemicals are present. Your employer should provide the correct eye protection for you. Wearing googles, face shields, safety glasses or full-face respirators can help prevent any debris from entering your eyes and reduce the risk of damage.
Give your tired, screen eyes some Théa Loving Care with Thealoz® Duo preservative-free eye drops. Pick up yours today in our online shop and keep your eyes healthy at work.
Alternatively if you have concerns about your eye health and your work environment this may be something you want to discuss with your employer of your local optometrist.
References