Focus on Workplace Eye Health and Safety

Surprisingly, approximately 2,000 eye injuries happen on the job to American workers every day, according to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. For Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month coming up in March, we thought it was the perfect time to highlight the fact that most of these injuries in the workplace can be prevented, or at least kept from being as serious, through proper eye protection.

To take care of your eyes, come see us at OptimEYES in Ashburn, VA. We can provide checkups and offer advice to protect your eyes in the workplace.

Eye Risks on the Job

Many job conditions can risk the health of your eyes. Depending on your workplace, your eyes could come in contact with chemicals, body fluids, material particles and radiation. For example, a nail or wood chip could hit your eye, or you could splash a cleaning product and receive a burn.

The different types of exposure in the workplace can lead to injuries or an infectious disease. Even in a less dangerous environment, you might face eye strain and other problems from spending too much time in front of a computer screen.

How to Protect Your Eyes on the Job

Fortunately, many methods exist that offer protection to your eyes on the job. First, you should make yourself aware of risks to your eyes in your particular workplace. Use tools, such as machine guards, to cut down on the contaminants that could enter your eyes. Take breaks from staring at a computer screen.

Cite the information on workplace eye injuries to your employer and ask the company to take steps to make the workplace safer. You can involve the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, or OSHA, if you need assistance with workplace safety.

In addition, you can protect yourself even in an unsafe environment by wearing eye protection, such as safety glasses or goggles, or respirators or shields that protect your whole face. Once again, it depends on your workplace as to what type of protection you would need.

Make sure your protection fits your face through a customized or adjustable fit. Also, keep it in great shape so it continues to provide protection, and replace it when worn or damaged.

Take Care of Your Eyes at OptimEYES

If you live in the Ashburn, VA area, come to OptimEYES for all of your eye care needs. Our doctors are skilled in optometry, so they can help if you sustained an eye injury, need a checkup or are looking for eye protection. Our office provides complete eye exams, specific eye tests, glasses and contact lenses, and care before and after surgery.

Make Your Appointment Today

If you are ready to prevent an eye injury or take care of one you already have, come to our Ashburn, VA office at OptimEYES. Call (703) 687-4719 or use our online schedule form to make your first appointment.