03/09/2026
Each year, nearly 25,000 Americans visit the emergency room due to a workplace eye injury. During Workplace Eye Wellness Month this March, it is important for employers and workers to be aware of the importance of wearing certified and approved eye protection. Workplace Eye Wellness is not just about protective gear in the field, but also your eye health while at a desk. “Digital Eye Strain,” also referred to as “Computer Vision Syndrome,” is a group of symptoms experienced when using computers or other digital devices for long periods of time, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms may include dry eyes and/or irritated eyes, blurred or double vision, tearing or watery eyes, and headache.
Data from the “2025 Workplace Vision Health Report” from VSP Vision Care shows nearly 6 out of 10 employees say digital eye strain reduces their productivity and effectiveness at work. Around half say it affects their well-being and quality of life, makes them too tired to enjoy after-work activities, and causes them to be more irritable at work. And 27 percent have taken time off from work due to digital eye strain.
Here are some tips for reducing eye strain at work:
- Place your screen 20 to 26 inches away from your eyes and a little bit below eye level.
- Use a document holder placed next to your screen. It should be close enough so you don’t have to swing your head back and forth or constantly change your eye focus.
- Change your lighting to lower glare and harsh reflections. Glare filters over your digital screens can also help.
- Get a chair you can adjust.
- Choose screens that can tilt and swivel. A keyboard that you can adjust is also helpful.
- Computer glasses with yellow-tinted lenses that block blue light can help ease digital eye strain by increasing contrast.
- Anti-reflective lenses reduce glare and increase contrast and also block blue light from digital devices.
