Did you know certain jobs can put one’s eyes at risk? In many ways, certain occupations can impact the overall health of your eyes. As your go-to provider of eye exam services in the local area, we’re here to explain how your eyes can be at risk depending on the industry you’re in.
Industries With Eye Safety Hazards
Some industries come with safety hazards that can increase the likelihood of eye injuries:
- Construction and Manufacturing. In these sectors, workers regularly interact with heavy machinery and hazardous substances, which can pose a significant risk to their eyes. Flying debris, dust particles or harmful chemicals can cause anything from minor irritations to significant injuries and blindness.
- Healthcare. Health practitioners, particularly those in laboratories, operating rooms or dealing with infectious diseases, often face potential eye injuries from chemical splashes, dangerous pathogens or lasers.
- Agriculture. Whether it’s crop farming or livestock rearing, farming activities expose workers to dust, UV radiation, chemical pesticides and large machinery, all of which present significant eye hazards.
Necessary precautions must be made to ensure the utmost protection against potential eye injuries. Wearing safety goggles and face shields, as well as sunglasses for UV protection, are imperative while doing work in such conditions.
Industries Known for Causing Eye Strain
Meanwhile, these industries are known for causing eye strain:
- Information Technology. IT professionals, software developers and data analysts spend long hours staring at screens, which exposes them to a high risk of digital eye strain. Symptoms can include redness, dryness, blurred vision and headaches.
- Writing and Editing. Much like IT professionals, writers, editors and journalists spend extended periods reading and typing away on computers or other devices, often under tight deadlines, which may exacerbate eye strain issues.
- Graphic Design and Arts. Designers, illustrators and other creative artists are also in the high-risk category for eye strain. They often work with bright colors and fine details and require high screen brightness levels, which can quickly exhaust the eyes.
- Academia. Students, teachers and researchers also spend long, continuous hours reading and writing on screens or in physical textbooks, leading to eye strain commonly known as academic asthenopia.
In these industries, professionals must ensure regular rests to keep the eyes relaxed. Good posture while reading, writing, doing work in front of a laptop or computer or doing laboratory work is also imperative. Maintaining the appropriate distance from screens and other media helps minimize the symptoms that come with eye strain. Having proper lighting and using blue light-filtering software or eyeglasses can help manage this issue.
Get Proper Eye Protection With Eyecare Experts
If you are in one of these high-risk jobs or have been experiencing discomfort in your eyes, don’t delay—reach out to us at Vienna Eyecare Center. We serve the residents of Vienna, Fairfax, Reston and Tysons Corner, VA. Your eyes are irreplaceable; let’s ensure they receive the best care they deserve.
We also provide prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. Give us a call at (703) 938-7633, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
