March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, a reminder that many of us spend a large portion of our day at work, often in front of screens or in environments that can strain or even endanger our eyes.
Whether you work at a desk in West Wichita, East Wichita, on a job site in Newton, or in a fast-paced healthcare or retail setting, protecting your eyes at work is essential to maintaining long-term vision and comfort.
Why Workplace Eye Health Matters
The modern workplace has changed dramatically over the years. Today, many jobs require:
Extended computer use
Exposure to bright or artificial lighting
Repetitive visual focus at close distances
Outdoor work with sun and wind exposure
Physical labor or environments where debris is present
Without proper care and protection, these factors can lead to eye strain, dryness, irritation, and in some cases, injury.
Common Workplace Eye Concerns
Digital Eye Strain
Also known as computer vision syndrome, digital eye strain occurs when you spend long hours staring at screens. Symptoms may include:
Blurry vision
Headaches
Dry eyes
Neck and shoulder pain
Difficulty focusing
With more people working remotely or in screen-heavy roles, this is one of the most common complaints we see.
Dry Eye
Indoor heating and air conditioning, especially during Kansas winters, can reduce humidity and dry out your eyes. Add screen time (which reduces blinking), and dryness becomes even more common.
Workplace Eye Injuries
For those working in construction, manufacturing, landscaping, DIY projects, or sports-related roles, flying debris and accidental impacts can pose serious risks.
Many workplace eye injuries are preventable with proper protective eyewear.
Tips to Protect Your Eyes at Work
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps relax the focusing muscles in your eyes and reduce strain.
2. Adjust Your Screen Setup
Position your monitor about arm’s length away
Keep the screen slightly below eye level
Reduce glare from windows or overhead lights
Increase text size if needed
3. Blink More Often
It sounds simple, but when we focus on screens, our blink rate decreases by 60%. Make a conscious effort to blink fully to keep your eyes lubricated.
4. Wear Protective Eyewear
If your job involves tools, machinery, chemicals, or outdoor exposure, wear proper safety glasses or protective eyewear. Even quick tasks can result in injury if eyes aren’t protected.
5. Consider Blue Tech or Specialty Lenses
If you spend significant time on digital devices, specialty lenses may improve comfort.
Our screens emit radiation which can damage the pigment layer of the retina and increase risk of macular degeneration.
At Lentz Eye Care, we make high quality blue tech lenses that block out 50%-80% of this radiation, which options like on Amazon may only block a small amount.
When to Schedule an Eye Exam
If you’re experiencing persistent:
Eye strain
Frequent headaches
Blurred vision
Dryness or irritation
Difficulty focusing
…it may be time for a comprehensive eye exam.
Sometimes small changes in your prescription can significantly improve comfort and productivity at work.
Protect Your Vision with Lentz Eye Care
Your eyes work hard every day, especially on the job. During Workplace Eye Wellness Month, make your vision a priority.
At Lentz Eye Care, our doctors provide comprehensive exams and personalized recommendations to help you stay comfortable, productive, and protected at work.
If it’s been a while since your last exam, schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations. Your future self, and your eyes, will thank you.