October is Eye Injury Prevention Month! While eye safety should be a concern all year long, many people are particularly susceptible to injuries at work. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2,000 individuals in the U.S. sustain a job-related eye injury every day. Roughly one-third of these injuries are treated in an emergency room.
Unfortunately, eye injuries can result in partial or total vision loss. This is why Nevada Eye Physicians hopes to raise awareness about avoidable eye injuries and protective eyewear. Contact our offices in Boulder City, Las Vegas, Henderson, Mesquite, and Pahrump, NV to schedule an eye examination and learn more about preventing eye injuries at work.
How to recognize a work-related eye injury
Even though eye injuries occur in almost any industry, some people are more likely to get them than others. Construction workers, roofers, and truck drivers are common examples of at-risk individuals. When an injury does occur, it is important to address the problem as soon as possible. If you or someone else experiences severe eye pain, sudden blurry or cloudy vision, or physical trauma to the eye, call 911 for instructions or visit your nearest emergency room. This will give you the best possible chance of saving your vision.
What causes eye injuries at work?
During Eye Injury Prevention Month, Nevada Eye Physicians teaches patients about the different kinds of eye injuries at work in Las Vegas:
- Chemical exposure: People who work around chemicals may get them splashed in their eyes. This could lead to serious eye damage and burns.
- Physical impact from tools: Injuries can occur on construction worksites that use power tools and other industrial equipment.
- Foreign objects in the eye: Flying debris, such as wood and metal, can make its way into the eye, causing scratching and corneal abrasions.
- Radiation exposure: Some jobs involve working around radiation. Too much exposure could lead to burns and permanent damage if the right precautions are not taken.
Preventing eye injuries at work
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) establishes strict standards and practices for workplace safety in the U.S. These standards help employers in preventing eye injuries at work and keeping employees as safe as possible. The eye protection chosen at different jobs depends on the potential hazards involved. Generally, workers can wear face shields and eye protection, such as goggles. We recommend employees follow all rules and regulations as provided by their employers.
About computer eye strain
Other injuries to the eye are less obvious. If you use computers in the workplace, you should be aware of a condition called computer eye strain. Eye strain could lead to issues like blurry vision, headaches, and even neck pain. While giving up computers altogether is not an option, you can take steps to protect your vision at work. Anti-glare glasses have a special coating that reduces glare and protects your eyes. This is an excellent option if you use standard laptops and desktop computers.
Learn about Eye Injury Prevention Month
Eye injuries are reported every day in the workplace. Some eye injuries could lead to partial or complete vision loss, which is why Nevada Eye Physicians stresses the importance of workplace safety. During Eye Injury Prevention Month, we encourage you to schedule an eye examination in Boulder City, Las Vegas, Henderson, Mesquite, and Pahrump, NV. Our clinic can inform you about computer eye strain and other physical injuries.
