When it comes to work, perhaps our most important asset is our eyes and our vision. Any injury to our eyes or experiencing a loss of vision can be detrimental to our livelihood, regardless of what career we have.
Eye injuries are a common trauma in the workplace and can happen in any number of ways. In fact, research has shown that approximately 2,000 workers per day suffer an eye injury at work that requires medical attention. Some common workplace eye injuries include being struck in the eye by an object such as a nail, staple, or anything else. There are also chemical or thermal burns from workplace chemicals or high temperatures.
However, there are many of us who depend on computer use and digital access for our jobs and personal lives. This causes another major eye injury, which is referred to as digital eye strain. Digital eye strain (DES), also known as computer vision syndrome, is not an instant injury such as being struck by an object, but it can lead to permanent disability and vision loss.
If you have suffered an eye injury at work, including DES, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. You should report any injury to your supervisor and your doctor and contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer immediately.
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
DES happens to everyone who looks at a computer screen for an extended period. In fact, over 70 percent of Americans suffer from DES per day. It starts when you look at a screen for upwards of two hours continuously, whether it is a smartphone screen, a laptop, or a computer monitor.
Computer screens and similar devices emit a blue light that contributes to DES, causing eye pain, fatigue, and other symptoms, such as:
- Headaches
- Discomfort
- Blurry or double vision
- Sleep problems
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Inability to focus
- Dry or itchy eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Burning sensation
How Can I Reduce Digital Eye Strain?
The best way to reduce DES is to take a break from looking at digital screens and ultimately protect your vision. Here are a few more tips to reduce DES:
- Follow the 20/20/20 rule. An easy way to remember to reduce DES is to follow the 20/20/20 rule, which means to take a break every 20 minutes for as long at least 20 seconds and look at something else that is about 20 feet away.
- Blink. The average person blinks about 18 times per minute. Workers who are on computers for extended periods significantly blink less than that. This causes dry eyes and will lead to DES. Remember to blink often and slowly to keep your eyes moist.
- Decrease glare. There are many products available that reduce glare and blue light from any device’s screen.
- Stay back. Keep your computer screen almost two feet from your eyes and adjust the font on the screen to reduce strain and make things a bit easier.
- See a doctor. As soon as you feel symptoms of DES, one of the best things you can do is to schedule an eye examination and discuss your symptoms with an ophthalmologist.
West Chester Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Help Workers Suffering from Eye Injuries
If you or a loved one has suffered an eye injury at work, especially if you are experiencing digital eye strain symptoms, reach out to the West Chester workers’ compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC. Our knowledgeable team has decades of experience with cases like this and will do its very best so that you receive the compensation for which you are entitled. Contact us online or call us at 610-594-1600 for a free consultation today. We are located in Exton, Pennsylvania, where we serve clients throughout Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.
