Prevent Blindness has designated March as Workplace Eye Wellness Month, aiming to raise awareness about eye safety and health in professional settings. The nonprofit provides free resources, including workplace eye safety fact sheets, shareable social media graphics, and web pages focused on vision protection.

One of the primary concerns highlighted during the observance is digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. The Cleveland Clinic describes the condition as a group of symptoms resulting from prolonged screen use, including dry or irritated eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and fatigue.

A report from VSP Vision Care found that 6 out of 10 of employees say digital eye strain affects their productivity, while about half report it impacts their well-being and daily activities.

To reduce eye strain, Prevent Blindness recommends adjusting screen placement, using document holders, reducing glare with screen filters, ensuring proper lighting, and considering computer glasses or anti-reflective lenses.

Beyond digital eye strain, workplace injuries also pose risks to eye health. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 18,510 work-related eye injuries and illnesses in 2020. The majority were caused by contact with objects or harmful substances; construction workers and electricians were among the most affected.

Prevent Blindness emphasizes the importance of protective eyewear, including safety glasses, goggles, face shields, and welding helmets. All protective gear should meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) regulations. In the event of any eye injury, Prevent Blindness offers the First Aid for Eye Emergencies resource.

“Because many of us spend so much time at work, whether in an office setting or job site, Prevent Blindness encourages all workers to talk with their eyecare professional about the best ways to protect vision at work,” says Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “We also offer free eye safety resources to employers to help raise awareness and provide education for best practices to keep eyes safe and help maintain healthy vision for employees.”