March is Workplace Eye Wellness Awareness Month. This month isn't only to bring awareness to jobs that might be obviously hazardous, such as construction jobs, it's also to bring awareness to the hazard of working in front of a computer and the affects it has on your eyesight.

No matter where you work, chances are there's some form of a hazard to your eyesight. Keep reading for some tips on how to protect your eyes, specific to the type of job you have:

Safety Eyewear

To protect your eyes from various flying opjects, particles, tools, and other hazards, safety eyeware should be worn. It's an easy and effective way to reduce many workplace eye injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to ensure workers have suitable eye protection. All eye protection should be certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as ANSI Z87.

Risk of Infection

If you work in the health care industry, a laboratory, in janitorial services, or animal handling, your workplace may carry the risk of different types of eye infections. Consider special eye protection to reduce the risk of exposure to minor and major illnesses via the eye.

Office Workers

It may seem like office workers may not have many workplace dangers, but many employees can suffer eye problems just from working in an office environment. The most common ailment is computer vision syndrome. Computer vision syndrome does not cause permanent damage, but they can cause headaches, eye fatigue, and difficulty focusing. Tips for office workers to cut down on computer vision syndrome include taking more frequent breaks from staring at your computer and repositioning your screen so it is at eye level.

Dry eye syndrome is also a common office worker complaint, often from heating and air conditioning systems. It is when eyes do not produce enough tears to keep the eye comfortable. Over-the-counter eye drops and proper hydration may help.

Prevent Eye Issues Upfront

You only get one set of eyes - take care of them! Having your eyes examined annually or every other year (or at the frequency your doctor recommends) is one way you can help preserve your eyesight. Eye exams can help you and your doctor evaluate potential unseen injuries to your eyes as well as to look for signs of serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma and cataracts.

Source: https://www.eyemedvisioncare.com/member/public/visionWellness.emvc?fragment=remote.content.disease.awareness.work