UTICA, NY — The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) is raising awareness for Workplace Eye Safety Month during March to address the growing number of eye injuries and preventable vision conditions on the job.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearly 25,000 Americans require emergency care due to workplace eye injuries each year. Many incidents result from flying debris, chemical exposure, and other hazards, especially in construction, manufacturing, and industrial environments.
cabvi worker in action
Digital workers are also at risk. Prevent Blindness reports that almost 6 in 10 employees experience digital eye strain, and 27% have taken time off work because of it. Symptoms can include dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches, often caused by prolonged screen use.
CABVI encourages simple practices that support eye comfort and help reduce avoidable injuries in a variety of workplace settings. Taking brief breaks from digital devices, positioning monitors at an appropriate height, and following the 20 20 20 rule, which involves looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, can help alleviate digital eye strain. For individuals working in more hands on or high-risk settings, additional precautions like wearing certified safety goggles and staying aware of potential hazards can further reduce the chance of injury.
CABVI offers ProGear Eyeguards at the Optical Shoppe for simple, effective vision protection wherever you work or play. For more information, visit cabvi.org.
