Whether you work in an office, a dental practice, or a construction site, taking care of your vision is a necessity. The eyes are an important part of the body that many people take for granted until issues begin to surface. Here is a quick guide to help you protect your eyes at work.
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Different Types of Protective Eyewear
Depending on where you work, there are different types of eyewear to help prolong your vision and protect your eyes. Ideally, employers should provide all safety equipment, but it is always wise to be aware and learn about different ways to protect yourself.
Protective Goggles and Safety Glasses
Safety glasses and goggles are designed to protect you from foreign bodies which could enter and scratch your eyes. Goggles should fit snugly around your eyes; they often offer more protection than safety glasses. They are designed to block out flying particles that may reach your eyes from different directions. Both are useful in laboratories to protect the eyes from chemical splashes. They are also worn on construction sites where sparks and dust are a concern.
Medical Safety Glasses
Medical safety glasses are ideal for people who work in the medical field and are exposed to harmful lasers or radiation, like in a hospital. They are also used in dental practices to protect the eyes from splashing liquids. The characteristics of the lens and the strength of the frame differ depending on your work needs. The people behind Dr. Bishop & Associates have a few top tips to help you choose the right pair for you.
Computer Glasses
People who stare at a screen for hours at a time can experience eye fatigue due to the glare and also due to blue light exposure. Blue light can cause eye strain, insomnia and can even damage the retinas. Computer glasses are designed to prevent fatigue by combating the reflective glare. There are also glasses that claim to block out blue light.
Other Considerations
Besides specially designed eyewear, there are a few other ways to protect your eyes while you work.
Check Your Environment
Whatever your occupation is, make sure you are working in a well-lit area. Natural is best when it comes to lighting, although working in direct sunlight can cause headaches plus other eye-related issues. If this is unavoidable, then a pair of sunglasses with UV protection can help reduce these effects.
Take a Break
Make sure you take regular breaks to rest your eyes. Staring at a computer screen can cause eye fatigue and blurred vision; just simply walking away from your desk for a few minutes can help you feel better. Adopting the 20-20-20 rule can reduce eye strain; in other words, every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Schedule an Eye Test
Going for a regular eye test is a proactive way to protect your vision. Some eye diseases have no symptoms; luckily, an optometrist can detect abnormalities and changes. By scheduling an eye test, you can identify any underlying issues and treat them early.
