Although vision problems are commonly attributed to diseases, health experts reveal that workplace circumstances also bring on a significant chunk of eye issues. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 13 million cases of vision impairment around the world are linked to the patient’s work. Unfortunately, after incurring these eye conditions, workers are not only less productive, but they’re also more likely to experience poor long-term physical and mental health, given vision’s impact on daily routines.
Fortunately, the American Academy of Opthalmology (AAO) states that up to 90% of such workplace vision issues can be prevented with the right eyewear. With that in mind, here are some eyewear essentials you should consider for your own professional life.
Safety Glasses
As per the same AAO report, up to 20,000 eye-related injuries happen at work every year in the US alone. The risk of these happening is, of course, substantially higher in fields where there are dangerous chemicals, heavy machinery, and uncontrolled elements. Considering all this, you must invest in safety glasses since they are designed specifically to resist most impacts, spills, splashes, and certain temperatures. For those with refractive errors, prescription safety glasses are also readily available. This ensures you enjoy safety and clarity while on the job. Some prescription options can also include single-vision and progressive lenses, UV filters, and custom tints to enhance visual acuity and prevent sun damage.
So, what makes safety glasses a cut above your normal eyewear in terms of protection? For starters, most safety glasses are made with acetate frames and polycarbonate lenses that are lightweight yet durable. Aside from this, all safety glasses must pass the standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). If you’re looking to nab your own safety glasses, make sure to get a pair stamped with Z87 or Z87+, as this means they’re approved by the abovementioned bodies.
Polarized Sunglasses
If you often work outside, you’ll know how strong the sun can be. So much so, in fact, that even if you find some shade to work under, the light can still reflect off surfaces and cause harsh glare. This has been known to cause problems ranging from migraines to the progression of glaucoma or cataracts. Among workers whose environments are either near bodies of water or snow, the reflection can be compounded to the point wherein workers can even experience corneal sunburns. This is where sunglasses with polarized lenses come in. Apart from blocking out up to 100% of UVA and UVB rays like standard sunglasses, the use of polarized lenses means that they’re capable of filtering out horizontal light rays (which make up glare) to the minimum.
Depending on your need, you may also want to look into common add-ons to polarized lenses. This includes prescriptions for those with existing vision problems, anti-fog coating for those who work in humid or cold climates, and anti-scratch treatments that can preserve the integrity of the glasses through daily wear and tear outdoors. In some workplaces, polarized sunglasses with a wraparound style are also recommended because they prevent glare from seeping through.
Blue Light Glasses
A LinkedIn study notes that most workers clock in over six hours of screen time daily. The numbers are worse among remote workers, who are estimated to spend almost 13 hours of screen time during workdays. This is worrisome because digital devices are artificial sources of blue-violet light. Too much of this is potentially dangerous as it can impair critical bodily functions like circadian rhythm, mood regulation, and cellular aging. In terms of the eyes, it can cause them to strain, dry out, and age prematurely.
One of the most popular ways to combat this is via the use of blue light glasses. Also called computer glasses, these specs are available with or without prescriptions. Using lens filters, they block out harmful blue-violet light from artificial and natural sources. Since this is a relatively new technology, extensive studies proving its efficacy are still being done. However, there are already loads of surveys that indicate users enjoy the eye benefits of these glasses. For example, a recent blue light glasses poll stated that up to 83% of respondents felt they slept better after wearing said eyewear. As hinted above, sleep is critical for eye wellness since this is the period in which the organs can lubricate, purge toxins, and promote proper circulation. If you plan to wear blue light glasses yourself, make sure to choose a pair that doesn’t have a bright yellow tint so as not to affect how colors appear to you.