ALL EYES ON SAFETY

Statistics show that job-related eye injuries are common, and many of them can be prevented. Whether one works in an industrial setting, an office or even at home, the necessity to protect the eyes is an issue which is often overlooked. Injuries can include strikes, scrapes, penetration, burns, or digital eye strain. The effects of eye injuries can range from mild discomfort to permanent damage, sometimes requiring time off work or even a change of occupation. The best way to prevent these problems is to be aware of the hazards and what can be done to avoid them.
 

Types of Eye Injuries

 
Most eye injuries occur when small particles strike or scrape the eye, for example dust, wood chips, or slivers of metal, scratching the cornea. They are usually discharged by machinery or blown by the wind. Larger objects may strike the eye resulting in trauma to the eye or eye socket.
 
Sharp objects, such as nails, staples, or shards of wood, glass, or metal may penetrate the eye, and can result in permanent loss of vision.
 
Industrial chemicals or certain cleaning products used in the home are common causes of chemical burns to the eyes and surrounding eye tissue, while welders are at risk for injury due to flying debris as well as ultraviolet radiation and photochemical burns.
 
Health care workers face eye hazards from infectious contaminants which can be spread through the mucous membranes of the eyes as a result of direct exposure to blood splashes and respiratory droplets, or from touching the eyes after handling them.
 
Spending long hours in front of a computer or on a tablet or smart phone can result in digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, an increasingly common complaint affecting more and more people in this age of rapidly advancing technology. Symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, and dry eyes, as well as neck and shoulder pain.
 

Promoting Eye Safety and Eye Health in the Workplace

 
The first step towards promoting eye safety is understanding the risks, assessing the environment and identifying the potential hazards.
 
Protect the eyes with appropriate protective eyewear, such as safety goggles or glasses, face shields or helmets. When choosing protective eyewear consider the nature of the hazard, the extent and circumstances of exposure, and personal vision needs.
 
For most circumstances, impact resistant safety glasses will protect the eyes from flying objects that could pierce, bruise or scratch the eyes. However, they do not provide complete protection from all elements, in which case safety goggles would be a safer option. Safety goggles are designed to minimise exposure to contaminants by forming a seal against the face. They are sometimes worn over safety glasses and can be worn over prescription glasses. Consult your optometrist about prescription safety glasses or goggles which will protect against flying objects, radiation and chemical contaminants, while addressing your individual vision needs.
 
Ensure that protective eyewear fits comfortably and securely and allows for sufficient peripheral vision.
 
Replace protective eyewear regularly. If there are signs of damage this could compromise eye protection and can potentially cause injury.
 
Modify your office workspace to ensure comfort and prevent eye strain. Minimise glare and reflections on the computer screen and avoid having lights directly overhead or behind you. Dust and fingerprints can reduce clarity and increase strain, so keep the computer screen clean.
 
Ideally, the centre of your computer screen should be 10-15 degrees below eye level and 20-24 inches away to keep your eyes and neck comfortable. Maintain the brightness of the screen at a comfortable level. If you are alternating between the computer screen and paper work, try to keep them at the same working distance.
 
Staring at the screen for prolonged periods leads to eye strain so take frequent breaks by following the 20-20-20 rule - look away from the screen every 20 minutes at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Don't forget to blink regularly! It has been reported that we tend to blink less often while concentrating on work, compromising the lubrication of the eyes.
 
Talk to your optometrist about glasses that would make working on your computer more comfortable.
 

What to Do in the Case of Eye Injury

 
Any injury or trauma to the eyes should be taken seriously. The key signs to look for are a visible wound or bloodshot appearance, blood or fluid leaking from the wound, partial or total loss of vision, pain in the eye or eyelid. As a general rule do not touch or rub the eye.
 
The eye often cleans itself of foreign objects or particles by tearing. If this does not happen lift the upper lid over the lower lid and roll the eyes around. Flush generously with water, keeping the eye open. Don't rub the eye. Visit your doctor or optometrist to ensure that the object is no longer there and the eye is not scratched.
 
If an object has penetrated and is embedded in the eye do not try to remove it as this may cause further damage. Cover the eye lightly with a piece of gauze or eye shield. Do not apply pressure to the eye. Seek immediate medical attention.
 
If there has been a chemical or infectious splash into the eye, try to keep the eye open as closing it may trap the chemical in the eye. Flush the open eye with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical intervention immediately.
 
Blows to the eye can cause eye trauma. Gently place a cold compress over the eye at 10 minute intervals. Do not place directly on the tissue around the eye, rather wrap it in a cloth. Keep the head and eyes as still as possible. Be aware of any signs of bleeding, changes in vision or other visible injury. See a doctor to determine if there is serious damage. After 24 hours, warm compresses may help lessen bruising.
 
For cuts or puncture wounds on the eye or lid immediate medical intervention is essential. Do not wash the eye or eyelid. Protect it with an eye shield or the bottom half of a paper cup gently taped over the eye and keep the head and eyes as still as possible. Do not apply pressure.
 
No matter what your job is, your eye safety in the workplace should be a top priority. It won't only ensure your health, but it can also boost your productivity and efficiency.