Employees who work in industries such as construction, manufacturing, metalworking, agriculture, and occupations requiring chemical-handling are at a higher risk for eye injuries without the use of proper eye protection. Types of occupational eye injuries (OEIs) include corneal abrasions, blunt eye trauma, penetrating injuries and eye burns from chemicals, radiation or extreme heat.
Meanwhile, those who work in an office environment using digital screens, such as computers, tablets and smartphones, may be at a higher risk for digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms may include blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches along with back, neck and shoulder stiffness and pain.
With these hazards in mind, Prevent Blindness — a patient advocacy organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight — has declared March Workplace Eye Wellness Month. The annual observance offers educational resources to employees and employers on ways to keep eyes healthy and protected, including workplace eye safety fact sheets, shareable social media graphics, webpages on preventing eye injuries at work and digital devices and the eyes, and a Workplace Safety module as part of its Healthy Eyes Educational Series.
“Workplace Eye Wellness Month reminds us that protecting vision should be a priority wherever people work—whether in offices or on job sites,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness.
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Proactive Eye Care Is Critical
New data from the 2026 Workplace Vision Health Report, just released by VSP® Vision Care, showed a disconnect between workers and employers with only a quarter of survey respondents believing that their company cares a great deal about their eye health.
The report also found:
81 percent of human resources leaders say their company promotes the use of protective eyewear such as safety glasses, sunglasses, or glasses designed to reduce glare from screens or bright lights. However, less than half (45%) of workers agree.
Only 34% of workers say their company encourages eye breaks—short pauses from screens or close-up work that can help reduce eye strain and fatigue.
32% of workers say their company offers information on optimizing the workplace to help minimize eye strain, for example guidance on computer setup, lighting, ergonomic furniture, temperature, or humidity.
Desk workers are now getting almost 100 hours of screen time each week. On weekdays, desk workers report spending an astounding 93% of their waking hours looking at screens.
For the first time, the report also included non-desk workers, whose roles occur outside a traditional office setting. The research found that many of these workers also report experiencing screen time impacts.
One in four employees say they have taken time off from work due to digital eyestrain. On average, workers report taking 4.5 days off each year.
“As we recognize Workplace Eye Wellness Month, it’s a timely reminder that in today’s digital world, proactive eye care is critical,” said Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon, VSP Vision Care Senior Vice President of Clinical and Medical Affairs. “When employers rethink vision care and create eye-friendly workplaces, they strengthen employee well-being and, in turn, support higher employee engagement and productivity.”
Do you know how to protect employees’ eyes in the workplace? Download this free Workplace Safety Quiz courtesy of Prevent Blindness.
Read more news and insights about workplace safety on Facility Executive.
