Digital Eye Strain is Reaching Epidemic Status – Could Your Job Be a Contributing Factor?

In today’s digital world, people are constantly connected. Unfortunately, that means a lot of exposure to light that can strain one’s eyes. Individuals can limit their exposure to some extent, but because they may be required to use a computer or other digital equipment at work, the eye strain may persist. Learn how to recognize an eye strain injury and discover how an experienced attorney can help you pursue the full and fair compensation that you deserve.

Eye strain injuries, or Computer Vision Syndrome, is caused by the some of the same factors involved in repetitive motion injuries. When examining things up close for extended periods, the eyes can become tired, dry, or irritated – and that can happen, even when viewing papers or other materials. Screens may exacerbate the effect even further because of the blue light they emit. Plus, people tend to blink less often when they are staring at a screen, and that can make eye strain worse. Computers are also especially damaging because they release air, which can irritate the eyes even further.

An estimated 60 to 70 percent of office workers have at least one symptom of eye strain, studies suggest. However, they are not the only employees who may be at risk. Any individual that stares at a screen for extended time-periods has an elevated risk. However, older adults tend to carry the greatest risk of all, due to the decreased flexibility of their lenses.

Unfortunately, it may be exceptionally difficult for workers to prove that their eye strain injuries were caused by screen time at work – especially if the person is known for spending a great deal of time on devices for pleasure purposes. Because of this, injured workers may want to seek the assistance of a skilled attorney when pursuing compensation.

Eye strain injuries often go undetected until a worker visits their eye doctor or physician, and that means may employees continue to work, despite having a legitimate work injury. If untreated, the condition could become more severe. As such, employees are encouraged to seek medical treatment if they experience any of the following eye strain injury symptoms:

• Recurrent or persistent headaches,
• Dry or itchy eyes,
• Blurred vision,
• Fatigue,
• Neck and/or shoulder pain, and
• Symptoms that get worse as the day goes on.

If you or someone you love is experiencing eye strain injuries and you suspect it may be related to your work, contact Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, LLP for assistance. Committed to helping you and your family obtain the compensation you deserve, our seasoned San Jose work injury lawyers can protect your rights and interests throughout the entire claims process. Schedule your free and personalized consultation to get started. Call (408) 289-1417 today.

• Feeling the strain: In the Computer Age, digital eye strain has become an epidemic