March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month

Simple steps can help keep vision healthy for life
The delights of vision can hardly be overstated and it’s worth taking a look, so to speak, at problems that can harm your vision.

That’s why the American Optometric Association started Save Your Vision Month way back in 1927. Professional eye care, through regular exams, they say, is important at every age.
Here are some of the major causes of vision loss and harm:

Disease:
For diabetics, diabetic retinopathy is an ever present possibility. More than 40 percent of adults with diabetes have some form of retinopathy which, at its most serious can cause complete vision loss. There are treatments and people with any type of diabetes should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.

Glaucoma – Caused by a cluster of diseases that damage the optic nerve.

Cataract – Clouding of the eye lens. Treatment is quick and easy if discovered early. Get eye dilation exams.

Trauma:
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2,000 workers per day suffer injuries to the eye. About 40 percent of these occur in the construction industry. In fact, the academy says that 90 percent of on-the-job eye injuries can be avoided with the proper eye protection.

Always wear safety glasses suitable for the situation;, face shields might be required for working around chemicals, for example, while respirators with a full face piece would be required for working in situations where dust flies and air quality is questionable, such as in below-ground work. Safety glasses with foam or rubber around the lens might be required around flying particles.

Dry Eye:
Adults especially are susceptible to dry eye which, while it doesn’t result in loss of vision, nonetheless frequently occurs with age. Low testosterone could be a cause just as menopause frequently is. Dry eye causes gritty pain, itching, blurry vision, redness and light sensitivity.

Medications, from antihistamines to blood pressure pills, can cause dry eye. Certain medical conditions related to thyroid, vascular diseases and rheumatoid arthritis can cause dry eye.
Special drops and certain surgeries can relieve severe symptoms.

Computer Eye Strain:
Red, dry, itchy eyes can often be traced to digital screens. For computer work, position your monitor 25 inches away. Eliminate glare on digital screens. Try floor lamps with full-spectrum fluorescent light. Adjust your monitor brightness to match the brightness of the room.

Corneal Abrasions:
They can occur by accident from a fingernail or mascara. A pain reliever can help. Some serious abrasions are caused by contact lenses. See a doctor about how to prevent infection.