March is an important month for eye health—it's both Save Your Vision Month and Workplace Eye Awareness Month. Whether you're working on a construction site in West Boylston or spending hours in front of a computer screen, protecting your vision should be a top priority. From workplace hazards to digital eye strain, small changes can make a big difference in keeping your eyes comfortable and healthy.
For those in construction, manufacturing, or even certain laboratory jobs, eye injuries are a serious risk. Flying debris, chemicals, and even accidental bumps can cause long-term damage in an instant. Up to 90% of workplace eye injuries are preventable with the right protective eyewear.
If your job requires safety glasses, make sure you’re wearing the right type:
Impact-resistant lenses for jobs involving flying particles or debris
Chemical-resistant goggles for handling hazardous substances
UV-blocking safety glasses for outdoor work to prevent sun damage
Even if your workplace doesn’t have obvious eye hazards, protecting your vision is still important—especially for those who spend their days in front of a screen.
Many people in West Boylston spend most of their workday staring at a computer screen. If that sounds like you, chances are you’ve experienced digital eye strain—the dry, irritated, or tired feeling in your eyes after long hours of screen time.
Here’s how to reduce eye strain and keep your vision sharp throughout the workday:
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This helps relax your eye muscles and reduces fatigue.
2. Adjust Your Screen and Lighting
Keep your screen about an arm’s length away and slightly below eye level.
Reduce glare by using anti-reflective screen covers or adjusting overhead lighting.
Increase text size and contrast for easier reading.
3. Blink More Often
It sounds simple, but blinking keeps your eyes moist and helps prevent dryness. Try to blink fully and frequently, especially when concentrating on screens.
4. Take Breaks and Move Around
Spending long hours in one position isn’t just tough on your eyes—it’s hard on your whole body. Take breaks to stretch, walk around, and rest your eyes.
5. Consider Blue Light Glasses
If you’re on screens for most of the day, blue light lenses may help reduce eye strain and improve comfort. While they don’t block all blue light exposure, they can help filter out some of the most intense wavelengths.
Taking care of your eyes isn’t just about wearing the right glasses or following screen-time tips—it starts with regular eye exams. Many eye conditions, including digital eye strain, dry eye, and even more serious issues like glaucoma, develop gradually and may not show symptoms right away. By scheduling routine eye exams, you can ensure that any problems are detected early and addressed before they affect your daily life. At Canterbury Vision, we’re committed to helping our community maintain clear, healthy vision. Whether you need a prescription update, relief from eye strain, or the right protective eyewear for your job or screen-heavy routine, we can help you find the best solutions to keep your eyes safe and comfortable.
Whether you need safety glasses for a hands-on job or better screen habits for office work, prioritizing your eye health now can prevent long-term problems. We’re here to help West Boylston residents and surrounding areas keep their vision sharp and protected.
Schedule your eye exam with Canterbury Vision, and let us help you find the best solutions to keep your eyes safe and healthy at work and beyond! Visit our office in West Boylston, Massachusetts, or call (508) 500-1562 to book an appointment today.