With the advent of the computer and its increasing roles within the world of work, workers’ vision is under immense pressure and could emerge as a formidable threat to their productivity, GERALDINE AKUTU writes.
It is perhaps the most indispensable body part in the workplace. Therefore, it is not only a precious gift but also a fundamental tool for productivity, safety and overall well-being.
As humanity delves deeper into the digital age, where screens dominate professional spaces, eyes’ health becomes more critical. Unfortunately, vision-related challenges remain a growing concern in the workplace, affecting millions globally and incurring significant economic costs.
Recent findings by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) shed light on the alarming scale of the issue. An estimated 13 million people live with vision impairments directly linked to their occupations. This staggering figure underscores a critical but often underappreciated reality. Indeed, the visual demands of the modern workplace are taking a toll on employees’ eye health.
A Consultant Ophthalmologist at Ikorodu General Hospital, Dr Yemisi Alabi, emphasised the far-reaching consequences of poor vision in the workplace.
“The importance of good visual health cannot be overstated. In our society, the economic and personal impact of poor vision is akin to night and day. Visual issues do not just affect the employee – they ripple outward, influencing the employer, overall workplace productivity, and even the national economy.”
Research by the World Health Organisation (WHO) finds that undiagnosed and untreated vision problems cost the global economy an estimated £411 billion annually in lost productivity.
She added that workplace-related eye health problems come in various forms.
“Some are direct consequences of job conditions, while others are pre-existing issues in employees that affect their ability to perform optimally. One of the most common vision problems emerging from the workplace is digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome (CVS). In an era where most workers spend their day staring at computer screens, CVS has become almost ubiquitous. Symptoms include blurred vision, dry or tired eyes, headaches, and even neck and shoulder pain,” she explained.
Alabi added that this condition stems from the prolonged use of digital devices without adequate precautions, saying, “The human eye was not designed for prolonged screen exposure. We are seeing more people suffer from CVS than ever before.”
She pointed out that simple, yet effective measures can significantly reduce the impact of digital eye strain.
These steps include optimising lighting, adjusting screen height and distance, increasing font sizes, using anti-glare filters and most notably, practising the 20-20-20 rule, looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
Beyond digital strain, the workplace also presents hazards that can lead to eye injuries, a less-talked-about but highly prevalent issue.
An estimated 3.5 million eye injuries occur annually worldwide in work settings, with an estimated $300 million spent on medical treatments, compensation, and lost productivity.
These injuries range from minor irritations to serious trauma that can lead to permanent vision loss.
Alabi highlighted: “Common causes include foreign bodies such as wood or metal chips, chemical splashes, radiation exposure, and blunt or penetrating trauma. High-risk sectors include manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and artisanal professions like welding and carpentry. Prevention strategies are essential. Education and training of at-risk employees are crucial.
“The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety goggles, face shields, and machine guards must be enforced. In case of chemical exposure, immediate rinsing of the eye with clean water for 10 minutes can prevent permanent damage.”
Alabi advised that regardless of the injury’s severity, prompt consultation with an eye care professional is critical.
Apart from workplace-induced conditions, several individual-specific vision issues can also impact productivity.
Chief among these is refractive error, a category that includes myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism (irregular curvature of the eye) and presbyopia (age-related difficulty in seeing close objects, typically starting from age 40.
These conditions can lead to blurred vision, headaches, eye aches and watery eyes. In the workplace, undiagnosed or uncorrected refractive errors can result in documentation errors, misinterpretation of critical information, accidents, and reduced efficiency.
Alabi maintained that these challenges are easily managed with a proper diagnosis and a pair of prescription glasses, adding to these are low-cost, high-impact solutions that can dramatically improve an employee’s performance.
Another vision issue that poses a major threat, especially among older adults, is cataracts. Cataracts occur when the eye’s clear crystalline lens becomes progressively cloudy, ultimately turning opaque. This condition affects nearly 100 million people globally and is most common in individuals over the age of 50. While glasses may help in the early stages, surgery becomes necessary as the cataract matures. “
Alabi said spectacles cannot remove a cataract, especially when vision becomes severely affected; surgical intervention is the only solution.
Glaucoma is a silent, yet devastating disease that affects around eight million people worldwide. Often dubbed ‘the thief of sight’, glaucoma gradually destroys the optic nerve, usually due to elevated intraocular pressure. It typically presents no symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred.
Risk factors include age, a positive family history, African heritage, hypertension, and diabetes, which underpin the importance of early detection.
Alabi said routine eye checks can help detect it before irreversible damage sets in. Treatment includes eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery, all aimed at controlling the disease, not curing it.
Another serious condition impacting working-age adults is diabetic retinopathy. This is a complication of diabetes in which high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina. The longer a person has diabetes and the poorer their blood sugar control, the higher the risk. It is a leading cause of blindness in adults, making regular screening essential. Treatment options include laser therapy and injections directly into the eye to halt or slow the progression of the disease.
For those over 50, Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is another culprit behind visual decline. This condition affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. AMD leads to progressive loss of central vision and image distortion, significantly affecting the ability to read, drive, or perform detailed tasks.
To mitigate these diverse visual health issues, experts recommend a multi-pronged approach.
Alabi said, “Regular staff education on visual hygiene, the provision of appropriate safety gear, and a culture of preventive care are vital,” she asserts.
“Employers should provide safety goggles and machine guards, and promote safe workplace practices, particularly in high-risk industries. Encouraging employees to undergo annual eye checks can lead to early diagnosis and timely intervention. All these measures not only enhance individual well-being but also significantly improve overall productivity and reduce long-term costs.
“Ultimately, taking vision seriously in the workplace is not just a health concern, it’s a strategic economic decision. The unsung heroes of our working lives, our eyes, deserve attention, care, and protection. Investing in visual health is a win-win for both employees and employers alike.”
Maintaining a healthy vision is essential for workplace safety, productivity, and overall well-being, according to The Fred Hollows Foundation.
Employees depend heavily on their eyesight to perform tasks safely and efficiently, whether it is operating machinery, navigating potential hazards, or handling important documents.
Unfortunately, millions of workers worldwide suffer from work-related visual impairments, which not only limit their job opportunities but also hinder workplace inclusion and pose long-term health risks.
New research released by VSP Vision Care and conducted by Workplace Intelligence highlights a concerning trend: digital eye strain is becoming increasingly common among workers.
The study found that 68 per cent of employees experience symptoms such as blurred vision, eye fatigue, and dry, itchy eyes.
Even more alarming, 59 per cent of employees reported that these symptoms negatively impact their productivity and effectiveness at work.
The findings from the second annual Workplace Vision Health Report surveyed 800 human resource benefit leaders and 800 full-time employees from organisations across the United States.
The report reveals a noticeable increase in screen time compared to the previous year, along with a corresponding rise in eye-related issues.
HR leaders admitted that more could be done to support employees suffering from digital eye strain.
Dr Valerie Sheety-Pilon, Vice President of Clinical and Medical Affairs at VSP Vision Care, emphasized the importance of proactive eye care.
She noted that even employees who do not wear prescription glasses or believe they have no vision problems should still have access to regular eye care to maintain their health and job performance.
