Your Eyes at Work by Randal Schober, ED.d How to save your vision while focusing on the job at hand print article      send to a friend

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that on-the-job eye injuries cost businesses over $500 million each year in medical bills, compensation, and downtime.  In order to avoid becoming a part of these statistics, it is essential that you consider the type of strain you may be placing on your eyes in the workplace.  And as the world's technological revolution continues to create more jobs that require staring at a computer all day, it is important that those of us with 'office jobs' identify possible dangers and exercise preventive measures to limit future vision problems.

Computer Catastrophes

Although the biggest culprits of eye injuries at work nationwide are still flying sparks or particles, the fastest growing 'white-collar' problem is the continued use of computers and the demands they make on our eyes. A recent survey of optometrists in the U.S. revealed that 10 million primary eye care exams are given each year, most due to vision problems related to computer use. The strain occurs when we stare at the monitor less than 20 inches away for prolonged periods of time.  When forced to maintain near vision focus, the muscles of the eyes become fatigued, which can often cause headaches or blurred vision. Dr. Michael Foyle, O.D., of Optometric Images in San Diego recommends that anybody whose workplace requires him or her to perform near vision tasks use a "20/20/20 rule."  Every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.  "This simple exercise allows the muscles of your eyes to relax and reduce eye strain," says Dr. Foyle.  "This exercise should be done even when reading or performing any visual task at arm's length."

Eyestrain can affect both adults and children who spend time reading or working on computers.  It is important that the symptoms are identified and the cause treated.  Computer based vision therapy programs specifically designed to improve vision are available and help eliminate the symptoms associated with eye muscle problems.  For more information on these vision therapy programs, contact your local optometrist.

Preventing common problems    

Here's a re-cap of some of the basic eye information you've probably forgotten since your last heart-to-heart with the local optometrist.  The eyes capture the patterns of illumination in the environment as an "optical picture" on a layer of light sensitive cells collectively known as the retina, much as a camera captures an image on film. Vision problems begin to occur when the light from the image passed through the lens does not come into focus on the retina, i.e. when the focal point occurs before or behind the retina.  With glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, the most common of these vision problems--myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism--can be rectified. However, these three common ailments and other optical disorders can be avoided or dramatically reduced if you consider some basic dos and don'ts, many of which pertain directly to your at-work eye behavior.  John Collins, O.D., author of Your eyes - An Owners Manual, set some specific guidelines for eye care.

Dos:   

·Wear appropriate protective wear

·Learn proper use of glasses, contact lenses chemicals (check expiration dates)

·Flush your eyes with cold water immediately in the event of chemical contact

·Use 'hypoallergenic' or 'allergy tested' eye make-up products

·Schedule regular professional examinations

·Check your own vision and report significant changes to your optometrist

Don'ts:           

·Don't ignore persistent symptoms (blurred vision, pain, and redness)

·Don't rub eyes vigorously

·Don't attempt to remove foreign objects from your eyes

·Don't stare at a dangerous source of radiant energy source (welding torch, laser, etc.)

·Don't overuse over-the-counter eye drops (e.g. Visine) or eye make-up

·Don't overuse or strain your eyes

Whether you use computers or not, you need your eyes to function for the rest of your life.  So, if you work in an office environment, sit back from your computer screen and take time to do Dr. Foyle's 20/20/20 exercise. But no matter what your job, consider all the dos and don'ts to ensure that your eyes are given the proper maintenance for many more years of precious service.