Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Healthwatch, we've been talking about the eyes. Previously, we've focused on diseases and conditions that can cause blindness. Today we'll look at how your eyes may be affected by your work.
Some workplaces may be hazardous to the eyes. Ophthalmologists at UT Southwestern Medical Center found in a survey that young construction workers are most at risk for workplace eye injuries. Many of these injuries can be prevented with the proper use of protective gear.
Even if you work in an office, your eyes may be at risk. People who work on computers all day may develop eye strain, with symptoms like eye fatigue, difficulty focusing and discomfort. The way to prevent and cure eye strain is with a proper workplace set-up.
Dr. Preston Blomquist, a UT Southwestern ophthalmologist, says you should also give your eyes breaks throughout the day and make sure you have the proper glasses prescription.
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April 2005
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