What You Need To Be Aware Of For Eye Wellness & Safety In The Workplace

Baptist Eye Surgeons • March 15, 2019

A yellow triangle with an exclamation point inside of it.Organizations like the American Optometric Association and Prevent Blindness designate March as Workplace Eye Wellness Month. Before you think that this topic does not apply to you, consider that eye injuries in the workplace are very common.

More than 2,000 people injure their eyes at work each day. These eye injuries in the workplace result in:

  • About 10% require one or more missed workdays.
  • 10 to 20% will cause temporary or permanent vision loss.
  • Collectively cost more than $300 million in lost work time, medical expenses and workman’s compensation.

Aside from injuries, when it comes to eye wellness in the workplace, even the slightest vision problem can reduce employee productivity by 10% and accuracy by 40%, and can affect the employee’s overall health, according to the American Optometric Association Study on Optometry.

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to be aware of for both overall eye wellness and safety, or risk of injuries, in the workplace:

Workplace Wellness

Prevent Blindness, one of the nation’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety groups, notes that awareness about eye health in the workplace is becoming an increasingly more important. They note that a 2018 Nielsen study revealed that American adults spend more than 11 hours per day staring at screens. That’s an increase of almost an hour and half over the past 4 years.

Most digital devices have light-emitting diodes (LED) that radiate blue wavelength light. Prolonged exposure to this blue light can lead to eye strain, dry and irritated eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, lack of concentration, and difficulty sleeping.

Some studies have also linked blue light exposure to a slow degeneration of the retina, which could affect long-term vision problems such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.

To avoid digital eye strain in the workplace, follow these recommendations:

  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Look away from the screen every 20 minutes at something 20 feet away for 20-seconds.
  • Keep an arm’s length working distance from your digital device.
  • Reduce glare by adjusting device settings or using a glare filter to decrease the amount of blue light reflected from the screen.
  • Turn your digital devices off at least one hour before bed.

Workplace Safety

If you work in an environment that poses hazards to your eyes, make sure to use proper protective eyewear to avoid injuries to your eyes. Experts believe that the right eye protection could have reduced the severity or even prevented 90% of eye injuries in accidents.

Eye injuries range from surface scratches to severe trauma that can cause permanent damage, vision loss, and blindness. The most common causes of workplace eye injuries include:

  • Grinding dust
  • Small bits of wire, metal, or glass
  • Chemicals
  • Flying or falling objects
  • Intense light or heat, such as from welding or radiation

You should wear protective eyewear if you work in— or even pass through —an area that has potential eye hazards. The type of safety eye protection you need depends on the hazards your workplace may expose you to. For example, if you are working in an area that has flying objects, particles, or dust you must at least wear safety glasses with side shields.

If you work with chemicals, you should wear properly-fitting goggles. If you are working near hazardous radiation from lasers or fiber optics you must use special-purpose goggles, safety glasses, face shields, or helmets designed specifically for those tasks. Double check that your eye safety gear meets OSHA regulations and has been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to meet eye protection standards.

If an eye injury does occur while you’re on the job, contact our office and request an emergency appointment. It’s important that you are seen as soon as possible. Postponing medical attention for what you think is just a minor injury still could result in permanent vision damage or blindness.

In addition, if you’re experiencing any symptoms of digital eye strain, schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam with the doctors at Baptist Eye Surgeons. We treat a wide range of eye injuries and specialize in detecting and treating eye diseases and conditions, including digital eye strain and dry eye syndrome.

With offices in Knoxville, TN and Morristown, TN, Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice dedicated to providing exceptional eye care to patients whose needs range from routine comprehensive eye examinations to complex eye surgeries. To learn about our specialities and our doctors, visit our website. Call us at 865-579-3920 for more information, or visit us online to schedule an appointment.

The Connection Between Diabetes and Eye Health

July 29, 2026
Diabetes affects various parts of the body, including your eyes. Keeping your blood sugar under control is not just good for your health overall, but it also helps protect your eyesight. Over time, high blood sugar can irritate the tiny blood vessels in your eyes and increase your risk of serious eye problems. Knowing how diabetes and eye health are linked can help you identify issues and take measures to protect your sight. How Does Diabetes Affect Eye Health? When blood sugar stays high, it can damage the blood vessels in the retina, which is the part of your eye that senses light and helps you see. Damaged blood vessels might leak fluid, swell, or change how well the retina works. Diabetic eye problems usually develop slowly, so you might not pick up on any changes in your vision until significant damage has occurred. That’s why it’s important for people with diabetes to get regular eye exams, even if their eyesight seems fine. Common Eye Conditions Linked to Diabetes People with diabetes are more likely to have certain eye problems. Finding and treating these issues early can lower the chance of losing vision permanently. 1. Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye issue that happens when high blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels. These damaged vessels may leak fluid, which may cause blurry vision, dark spots, or changes in how you see. In advanced cases, abnormal blood vessel growth can lead to serious problems. If diabetic retinopathy worsens, new abnormal blood vessels can grow, causing serious problems, including vision loss. Getting regular eye exams can help catch these changes early, before they become severe. When fluid is retained in the macula (part of the retina which focuses on sharp central vision), this swelling can make it harder to read, recognize faces, or see fine details clearly. When detected early, treatments can help reduce swelling and protect your eyesight. 3. Cataracts People with diabetes have a higher chance of getting cataracts early. Cataracts occur when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy, which can cause blurry vision, increased sensitivity to glare, and difficulty seeing clearly. While cataracts come with age, having diabetes can make them appear sooner or progress quicker. 4. Glaucoma Diabetes can also raise your risk for glaucoma, which is a group of eye diseases that harm the optic nerve. Glaucoma usually starts without any clear symptoms, but if it is not treated, it can cause permanent vision loss. Routine regular eye exams are important for finding glaucoma early and keeping your eyes healthy Diabetes-related eye problems might not cause symptoms at first. Still, there are some warning signs you should look out for: • Blurry or distorted vision • Difficulty focusing • Dark spots, floaters, or shadows in your sight • Increased sensitivity to glare • Trouble seeing colors clearly • Sudden alterations in vision • Partial or complete loss of vision If you notice sudden vision changes, contact an eye doctor as soon as possible. The Value of Regular Eye Exams for People With Diabetes Getting a full eye exam is one of the best ways to protect your vision if you have diabetes. During the examination, your physician will study your retina, look for symptoms of diabetic eye disease, and track any changes over time. Many eye problems linked to diabetes can be treated more easily if they are found early. Regular checkups help your eye doctor give you advice that fits your own eye health and diabetes care. Protecting Your Eyes When You Have Diabetes Looking after your general health is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Here are some things you can do to protect your vision: • Keeping blood sugar levels under control • Managing blood pressure and cholesterol • Scheduling regular diabetic eye exams • Following your diabetes treatment plan • Eating a balanced diet that promotes eye health • Avoiding smoking, which increases the risk of eye complications Prioritizing Your Vision and Eye Health Diabetes and eye health are closely linked, but you can lower your risk of serious vision problems by taking action early. Getting regular eye exams, making healthy choices, and managing your diabetes all help protect your eyesight. If you have diabetes, seeing your eye doctor regularly can help catch changes early and keep your vision clear for the future. Your eyes are a key part of your health, so make caring for them a priority at every age. 

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
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