Do you work in an office and spend hours staring at a computer screen? Do you feel like your eyes are constantly tired, dry, or itchy? You may be suffering from work-related eye strain. This is a common problem among office workers and can lead to severe long-term damage if not treated properly. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common causes of work-related eye strain, how to reduce it, and whether you can be compensated for an eye strain injury.
Reading guide
How Common is Chronic Eye Strain?
A study conducted by American Optometric Association‘s found that nearly 58% of American adults experience digital eye strain as a result of using electronic devices for an extended period of time. This number has increased significantly over the past decade as we’ve become increasingly reliant on technology in our everyday lives.
What are the Symptoms of Chronic Eye Strain?
The most common symptoms of chronic eye strain are headaches, neck and shoulder pain, fatigue, dry eyes, and blurry vision. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s important to see an eye doctor to rule out any other underlying conditions.
The three most common causes of work-related eye strain are blue light exposure, poor lighting, and screen glare.
Blue light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that’s emitted from electronic screens like computers, phones, and TVs. This type of light has been shown to cause eye fatigue, dry eyes, and headaches.
Poor lighting can also lead to eye strain. If your office is poorly lit, you may find yourself squinting to see your computer screen. This can cause headaches, neck pain, and fatigue.
Screen glare is another common cause of eye strain. If you’re working in an area with bright lights or sunlight coming in through the window, it can be difficult to see your screen. This can cause eye fatigue, dry eyes, and headaches.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see an eye doctor to rule out any other underlying conditions. You may also want to consider making some changes to your work environment to reduce the risk of developing chronic eye strain.
Some simple changes that can help reduce the risk of developing chronic eye strain include:
- Investing in a blue light filter for your computer screen
- Adjusting the lighting in your office
- Taking breaks from looking at screens every 20 minutes
- Using artificial tears to lubricate your eyes
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Can you File a Workers’ Compensation Claim for an Eye Strain Injury?
If you develop chronic eye strain as a result of your job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job.
To file a workers’ compensation claim, you will need to show that your eye strain is a result of your job. This can be difficult to do if you don’t have a preexisting condition. However, if you can show that your symptoms are work-related and that they’re affecting your ability to do your job, you may be eligible for benefits.
If you think you may have the right to claim work comp benefits, you should contact an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation law. An experienced attorney will be able to review your case and advise you on the best course of action.
Conclusion
In conclusion, work-related chronic eye strain is a common problem that can lead to severe long-term damage if not treated properly. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of chronic eye strain, it’s important to see an eye doctor to rule out any other underlying conditions. You may also be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if your eye strain is a result of your job. If you think you may have a workers’ compensation claim, you should contact an experienced attorney to review your case.
