Workplace Eye Wellness Month: Addressing the Hidden Risks of Vision Strain at Work

Reviewed by: Dr. Klingler

Vision is one of the most critical yet underprotected aspects of workplace health. Despite its importance, eye health awareness is often reduced to occasional reminders about screen breaks or protective eyewear, rather than being treated as an ongoing occupational health concern. March, recognized as Workplace Eye Wellness Month, should serve as more than a seasonal campaign—it should be a wake-up call for businesses and employees alike.

Across industries, from corporate offices to industrial job sites, eye-related issues impact productivity, employee well-being, and long-term health outcomes. The effects of chronic digital eye strain, exposure to harmful environments, and lack of preventive care are often underestimated, leading to vision deterioration that could have been prevented.

This is not just about discomfort—it is about occupational safety, efficiency, and health policies that need reevaluation.

Why Workplace Eye Health Is More Critical Than Most Realize

The modern workplace presents significant, but often unnoticed, challenges to vision health. While some hazards are more apparent—such as flying debris in industrial settings—others, like prolonged exposure to digital screens or poorly regulated indoor air quality, quietly cause tired eyes leading to long-term damage.

1. Digital Eye Strain Is Now an Occupational Health Issue

The American Optometric Association defines digital eye strain as a group of vision-related problems caused by prolonged screen use. More than 60% of workers experience symptoms such as blurred vision, headaches, and chronic eye discomfort due to extended screen time.

This is not just a matter of temporary strain—long-term exposure to blue light and constant near-focus activity has been linked to an increased risk of myopia progression, dry eye disease, and even cognitive fatigue. Yet, many workplace wellness programs still treat this issue as minor, offering only surface-level solutions like blue light glasses instead of systemic changes in work habits and ergonomics. So this eye safety month make sure you keep your employees away from digital stress.

2. Poor Environmental Conditions Compromise Eye Health

For employees working in office spaces, laboratories, or industrial sites, the quality of indoor air and lighting directly affects ocular health.

• Dry office environments with excessive air conditioning or heating contribute to evaporative dry eye and other eye disease.
• Inadequate or overly bright lighting forces the eyes to work harder, increasing strain.
• Chemical exposure in laboratories or manufacturing can lead to serious long-term complications, especially without proper protective measures.

Addressing these conditions should not be optional. Workplaces must start treating vision wellness as part of standard occupational safety, not an afterthought. And what could be the better than eye safety month to start with occupational eye safety.

3. Eye Injuries Are Still a Leading Cause of Workplace Disability

For employees in construction, healthcare, and manufacturing, the risks are more immediate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over 20,000 workplace eye injuries occur annually, leading to days away from work, reduced productivity, and in severe cases, permanent vision loss.

Despite the availability of protective eyewear, nearly 90% of workers who suffer eye injuries were not wearing proper protection at the time. This points to a failure not just in compliance, but in training, workplace culture, and enforcement of safety protocols.

Seven Workplace Best Practices for Eye Care

To move beyond awareness and create lasting change, businesses and employees must adopt workplace best practices that directly address eye wellness. Here are seven key strategies to protect vision in professional settings:

1. Implement the 20-20-20 Rule

Prolonged screen exposure is unavoidable for many employees, but eye strain can be significantly reduced with the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, workers should shift their gaze to an object at least 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds. This simple habit gives the eye muscles necessary rest, reducing fatigue.

2. Optimize Lighting Conditions in the Workplace

Lighting plays a crucial role in eye health. Too much brightness leads to glare, while dim lighting forces the eyes to work harder. Employers should:

• Use adjustable task lighting for individual workstations.
• Minimize glare from overhead lights by adjusting positioning and intensity.
• Encourage the use of anti-glare screens for digital devices.

3. Maintain Proper Screen Positioning and Ergonomics

The way a screen is positioned affects not just eye health but overall posture. To prevent strain:

• The monitor should be an arm’s length away, with the top of the screen at or just below eye level.
• Screens should be angled slightly downward to reduce strain.
• Font size should be large enough to read comfortably without leaning in.

4. Encourage Regular Blinking and Hydration

Studies show that people blink up to 66% less when looking at screens, leading to dryness and irritation. Employees should:

• Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently.
• Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops if dryness persists.
• Stay hydrated, as dehydration worsens dry eye symptoms.

5. Provide Protective Eyewear in Hazardous Work Environments

For workplaces where chemical exposure, flying debris, or high-impact risks are present, employers must:

• Ensure that safety goggles or face shields meet ANSI Z87.1 standards.
• Conduct mandatory training on proper use of protective eyewear.
• Regularly inspect and replace damaged protective gear.

6. Improve Air Quality to Reduce Eye Irritation

Dry office environments contribute to chronic eye discomfort. Employers should:

• Regulate humidity levels to prevent excessive dryness.
• Reduce airborne irritants by improving ventilation and installing air purifiers.
• Limit excessive air conditioning, which exacerbates dry eye symptoms.

7. Schedule Routine Eye Exams for Employees

Many eye conditions develop gradually, making regular eye exams essential. Employers can:

• Partner with vision care providers to offer annual eye exams as part of wellness programs.
• Educate employees on the importance of early detection of eye issues.
• Provide vision insurance coverage to encourage regular check-ups.

Expert Eye Care for Long-Term Vision Protection

Workplace eye care should not be left to chance. Dr. Lisa Litwak, O.D., and Dr. Linus Klingler, O.D., F.A.A.O., at Kelly Eye Center, specialize in diagnosing and managing ocular conditions related to digital eye strain, dry eye, and workplace-related vision issues. With years of advanced training and experience, they provide comprehensive eye health solutions tailored to both office workers and high-risk professionals.

For businesses looking to incorporate professional eye care into workplace wellness programs, consulting with specialists like Dr. Litwak and Dr. Klingler ensures that employees receive the best preventive care available.

Final Thoughts: Workplace Eye Wellness Is Not Just a One-Month Concern

Workplace Eye Wellness Month should not be a once-a-year discussion. It must be the foundation for long-term changes in how businesses and employees approach vision health. Ignoring workplace eye strain and injuries does not just affect individual workers—it impacts overall productivity, safety, and quality of life.The question is not whether eye wellness is important—it is whether we are doing enough to address it in a meaningful way. Let’s make a meaningful move this March eye safety month by scheduling an appointment today to protect your team’s eyes.