Safety First Vision Care Programs Enhance Workforce
By Patricia E. Szuch
Vision loss and vision impairment can have a significant impact – personally and economically – on individuals, families and our society as a whole. Nearly 178,000 Hoosiers age 40 or older have a visual impairment (including blindness) that could limit their ability to remain active, engaged and employed.
A visual impairment is defined as having 20/40 vision or less in the better eye, even with glasses. Nationally, the number of adults who are blind or visually impaired is more than 3.4 million.
Vision loss robs people of their mobility, independence and quality of life. The costs related to vision loss will only increase as the population ages – Baby Boomers comprise nearly 28% of the adult population in the United States.
“The Economic Impact of Vision Problems,” published this year by Prevent Blindness America, notes that the number of Americans with impaired vision, including blindness, could more than double over the next three decades. The estimated annual total financial burden to the U.S. economy caused by the four major adult vision problems is $34.5 billion.
The four major vision problems are:
age-related macular degeneration, which creates a loss of sharp central vision;
cataract, which is a clouding of the eye’s naturally clear lens;
diabetic retinopathy, which involves abnormal growth of blood vessels in the back of the eye that can leak; and
glaucoma, which is the loss of peripheral, or side vision. Glaucoma is often referred to as the sneak thief of sight because it is painless and often unnoticed.
Statistics (compiled by Prevent Blindness Indiana) show thousands of Hoosiers experience vision loss. More than 22,000 Hoosiers over age 40 are blind. More than 37,000 Indiana residents over age 50 already suffer from age-related macular degeneration and more than 457,000 have cataracts. Diabetic retinopathy affects more than 115,000 Hoosiers over age 18 and glaucoma is present in nearly 47,000 Indiana residents.
That’s why vision care is crucial for Indiana residents of all ages – and for their employers. As the workforce ages and workers remain on the job longer, the impact of aging eye problems on workplace productivity can be significant. Employers need to become familiar with risks to vision presented by workplace environments – and by the natural aging process.
Regular, preventative eye care and a healthy lifestyle are the best defenses against vision loss; however, other factors are involved. Accidents, injuries and genetics can play a part in a person’s vision health. Companies and workers would gain from preventative eye care being offered as a health insurance benefit to help Hoosiers detect a potentially life-altering vision problem before it becomes debilitating.
Prevent Blindness Indiana recommends an eye exam every other year. People with special risks, such as diabetes, previous eye trauma, surgery or a family history of glaucoma, may need an eye exam more frequently.
Only about 30 cases were reported to the Eye Injury Registry of Indiana in 2006; however, the registry notes that many potential cases are likely unreported as physicians could be unaware of reporting requirements. The Indiana Department of Labor shows 980 eye injuries (requiring days off work to recuperate) were reported in 2005, the last year for which statistics are available.
Employers should follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines for protective eyewear, when needed, and use protective eyewear that meets American National Standards Institute Z87 industrial standards (www.preventblindness.org/safety).
Employees who spend most of their day in front of computer screens may notice changes in their vision. These workers may feel their eyes are sore, irritated or fatigued. Employers can compensate for eye strain by helping their employees follow proper guidelines for computer screen placement – 20 to 26 inches away from the eyes and a little below eye level to ease neck strain and keep eyes from becoming dry. Those working with computers should take breaks to rest their eyes to reduce eye and muscle fatigue. A 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away is recommended by the Vision Council of America.
Prevent Blindness Indiana’s web site, www.pbeye.org, offers links to information about the aging eye and the changes that occur as we age.
Small personal changes can help. Wear sunglasses and a brimmed hat while outside, for instance, particularly if you are sensitive to light changes. Improve the lighting in your home and at work, when possible. Wear safety glasses or eye protection at work when required and when doing projects around the house. Stop smoking. Control your blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes or other health issues that can contribute to vision problems.
It’s difficult to imagine losing your sight. Include an eye exam as a routine part of your health care regimen as 50% of all blindness is preventable. By adding a vision screening or eye exam to your list of preventative health screenings, you could maintain healthy vision to enjoy all that life offers.
Author: Patricia E. Szuch is CEO and president of Prevent Blindness Indiana. She can be contacted at (317) 815-9943 or www.pbeye.org.
