Eye injuries are a common danger for people working in many types of industries, and can result in partial or total vision loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day 2,000 workers suffer an eye injury serious enough to require medical care.
Fortunately, employees in Florida may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if they're injured in a job-related eye accident.
Industries With the Highest Risk of Eye Injuries
It's not only workers in manual labor jobs at risk of hurting their eyes. Flying objects, particles in the air, tools, harmful chemicals, blunt force to the eyes, and prolonged computer use can all harm your eyes.
Here are some of the industries where employees have a high risk of eye damage:
- Electricians
- Welders
- Factory workers
- Construction workers
- Mechanics
- Health care personnel
- Scientists and laboratory staff
- Individuals working with chemicals
- Office workers and other individuals staring at computers for long hours
Common Workplace Eye Injuries
While some injuries heal on their own, others require immediate emergency medical care and surgery to prevent devastating vision loss and save the eye.
Some of the most common eye injuries include:
- Corneal abrasion. Abrasions to the eye’s surface can be caused by being poked in the eye; inadvertently rubbing the eyes when foreign substances are present; and dust, sand, and other particles in the air. A person suffering with an abrasion often experiences discomfort, eye redness, and extreme sensitivity to light; and can be at risk of developing an eye infection.
- Penetrating injuries. These happen when an object or small particles enter the eye. To prevent permanent scarring and other damage, an individual should cover the eye and seek immediate medical care.
- Chemical burns. Harmful chemicals splashed, sprayed, or rubbed into the eyes cause burn symptoms such as redness, irritation, and blurred vision. While some injuries may be relatively minor, others can cause serious eye damage or blindness.
- Hyphema. This is the leakage from blood vessels between the cornea and iris. It's often the result of blunt force to the eye and requires immediate medical care to avoid permanent vision loss.
- Traumatic Iritis. This is inflammation of the iris, which is often caused by a blow to the eye with a blunt object. It's a serious medical condition that can cause permanent eye damage, even with emergency medical treatment.
- Eye strain and computer vision syndrome. Workers who sit at computers for long periods of time can develop eye strain and computer vision syndrome (CVS), which is a repetitive motion injury to the eyes. CVS can cause blurred or double vision, red eyes, eye irritation, headaches, and neck and back pain.
If you suffered an eye injury on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. For assistance fighting for the benefits you deserve, call our office today to schedule free consultation.
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