Each day, over 2,000 Americans suffer an eye injury. Overall about one million Americans have experienced some vision loss due to eye injury, which has resulted in more than $300 million in lost work time, medical expenses and Worker’s Compensation.
We typically associate work-related eye injuries with outdoor or industrial jobs, such as construction or factory work. But, working in an office can be just as hazardous to your eyesight. The most common eye problem is computer vision syndrome. While consistently being on your computer will not permanently damage your vision, it can make your eyes feel irritated and fatigued.
Computer vision syndrome is not a myth. Too much screen time and not enough breaks can cause headaches, inattentiveness, neck pain, back strain, and dry eye. According to EyeMed.com, staring at a screen for extended periods of time lengthens the interval between blinks, preventing eyes from staying lubricated and moistened
Yoursightmatters.com offers these tips to prevent computer vision syndrome and keep your eyes feeling comfortable:
- Reposition your screen. Adjust your screen to be at a right angle away from any direct light source. Invest in an anti-glare screen for your monitor to make computer work gentler on your eyes.
- Remember the 20-20-20 rule. This rule reminds you that every 20 minutes, you should look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t forget to blink. While it may sound ridiculous, write yourself a “Blink Often” message and attach it to your monitor. Pausing to regularly close your eyes will keep them from getting dried out.
- Use artificial tears. Over-the-counter eye drops can be extremely helpful in preventing dry eye and keeping your eyes comfortable.
- Drink water. Adequate hydration can make a big difference, especially during the winter months when heaters and furnaces can make the air particularly dry.
- Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams. Nothing is more important than having regular eye exams by a licensed ophthalmologist. If you have any concerns about your vision or experience any changes with your eyesight, make an appointment right away.
For more information on overall eye health and to find an ophthalmologist near you, visit YourSightMatters.com.
Casey & Devoti is a St. Louis-based personal injury law firm. Together Partners Matt Casey and Matt Devoti have nearly 40 years of trial experience. They handle a variety of personal injury matters, including: car, truck and train accidents, victims of impaired and distracted driving, medical malpractice and birth injuries, product liability, slips/trips/falls, elder care and sexual abuse, Workers’ Compensation, and wrongful death. Matt and Matt proudly serve clients throughout metropolitan St. Louis, southeastern Missouri and southern Illinois. If you or a loved one have been injured by the negligence of another, call the office today for a free, no-obligation consultation: (314) 421-0763.
