At EYES of Cresta Bella, your trusted eye doctor in San Antonio, we believe your vision deserves care not just at home—but at work, too. March is recognized as Workplace Eye Wellness Month, a perfect time to talk about how modern work habits impact eye health and what you can do to protect your vision throughout the workday.
From long hours on digital devices to dry office environments, today’s workplaces can quietly strain your eyes. The good news? Small changes can make a big difference.
Why Workplace Eye Health Matters
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Most adults spend 7–10 hours a day looking at screens—computers, tablets, and smartphones. Over time, this can lead to a collection of symptoms known as Digital Eye Strain or Computer Vision Syndrome.
Common workplace-related eye issues include:
- Eye fatigue and strain
- Dry, irritated, or burning eyes
- Headaches
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Neck and shoulder tension related to visual strain
These symptoms don’t just affect comfort—they can impact productivity, focus, and overall well-being.
The Hidden Culprits at Work
Several factors in the workplace contribute to eye discomfort:
Prolonged Screen Time
When we stare at screens, our blink rate drops significantly, leading to faster tear evaporation and dryness.
Improper Lighting
Overhead lighting, glare from windows, or screen reflections can force your eyes to work harder than necessary.
Uncorrected or Outdated Prescriptions
Even a mild prescription change can cause eye strain when combined with long hours of near work.
Dry Office Environments
Air conditioning and heating systems reduce humidity, worsening dry eye symptoms.
Simple Ways to Protect Your Eyes at Work
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eye muscles a much-needed reset.
Optimize Your Screen Setup
- Position screens about 20–28 inches from your eyes
- Keep the top of your monitor at or slightly below eye level
- Reduce glare with screen filters or proper monitor placement
Blink More—Intentionally
It sounds simple, but conscious blinking helps replenish the tear film and prevent dryness.
Use Proper Eyewear
Specialty lenses designed for computer use can reduce strain, improve clarity, and enhance comfort throughout the day.
Wear Certified Workplace Eye Protection
For individuals working in environments with physical hazards—such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, laboratories, or industrial settings—wearing certified and approved protective eyewear is essential.
Proper safety eyewear:
- Meets ANSI Z87.1 standards for impact resistance
- Helps prevent serious eye injuries that often result in emergency room visits
- Protects against flying debris, chemicals, and blunt trauma
At Eyes of Cresta Bella, we guide patients in selecting protective eyewear that is compliant, comfortable, and tailored to the visual demands of their workplace.
Dry Eye and the Workplace
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If your eyes feel dry or irritated by the end of the workday, you’re not alone. Office-related dry eye is incredibly common and often overlooked.
At EYES of Cresta Bella, we evaluate tear quality, not just tear quantity. Dry eye is a medical condition—and effective treatment goes beyond artificial tears.
Personalized care may include:
- OptiLight IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy to reduce inflammation, improve meibomian gland function, and stabilize the tear film
- Radiofrequency (RF) therapy by InMode to gently heat and stimulate the eyelids, supporting healthier oil flow and long-term ocular comfort
- Advanced dry eye diagnostics
- Lifestyle and ergonomic recommendations
- Targeted in-office treatments when appropriate
- Amniotic membranes
- LACRIFILL® Canalicular Gel
Advanced Dry Eye Solutions for the Modern Workplace
At EYES of Cresta Bella, we offer advanced in-office treatments designed specifically for patients whose work environment contributes to chronic dry eye and visual fatigue.
OptiLight IPL by LUMENIS
OptiLight IPL is the first and only FDA-approved IPL treatment for dry eye disease. This light-based therapy targets inflammation and helps restore healthy meibomian gland function—making it especially effective for patients who spend long hours on screens.
Radiofrequency (RF) by InMode
Radiofrequency therapy delivers controlled heat to the eyelids, encouraging better oil expression from the meibomian glands. This treatment supports tear stability, improves comfort, and complements IPL for long-term ocular wellness.
Together, these therapies address the root cause of dry eye—not just the symptoms.
When Was Your Last Eye Exam?
Many professionals wait until vision becomes noticeably blurry to schedule an exam. However, eye strain and discomfort are often early signs that your visual system needs support.
A comprehensive eye exam can:
- Detect subtle prescription changes
- Identify digital eye strain and dry eye disease
- Ensure your eyes are healthy for the demands of your job
See Your Best—At Work and Beyond
At EYES of Cresta Bella, we blend medical excellence with an elevated experience, helping you see comfortably and confidently—wherever your day takes you.
This March, prioritize your workplace eye wellness. Your eyes work hard for you—let’s take care of them.
Schedule Your Workplace Eye Wellness Exam
19739 W I-10 #112, San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 361-7720 www.eyesofcrestabella.com
See the good.
