VISUAL DEFECTS: The eye is a complex organ that needs proper care and protection and in some cases assistance, to enable it to perform to its full potential. As we get older it becomes necessary to use prescription glasses or contact lenses to overcome visual problems which are either physiological or age related. There are four major visual problems, which can be helped by the use of Optical Corrections:

Hyperopia - “See well in the distance, not well up close”- resulting in injuries to hands and arms, reduced productivity when working at close distances or in poor lighting.

Myopia - “See well up close, not well in the distance”- Motorised vehicle accidents are more likely to be incurred by this group resulting in injury to them and co-workers and damage to expensive equipment.

Astigmatism - “Both distance and near vision”- are adversely affected and may produce below average performance and productivity. Injuries by tripping and falling are common to this group.

Presbyopia - “Unable to see well up close”- Usually age related with near vision loss. Injuries and reduced performance is similar to those with Hyperopia.

An employee will readily notice a visual defect with a rapid onset (e.g. as a result of an accident) and will generally seek treatment immediately. With the gradual onset of visual defects, an employee may not notice the slow deterioration in visual performance for some time. For this reason it is essential that Visual Performance Assessments be carried out at regular intervals of no more than two years.

If visual defects are left undiagnosed and untreated they may lead to reduced work performance and the risk of injury.

COMMON EYE INJURIES IN THE WORKPLACE:

Foreign Bodies in the Eye - A foreign body on the external part of the eye was the most common type of compensated injury reported in a 2009 Eye-related Injuries in Australia study between 2000-2005. This type of eye injury resulted in a median total time lost at work to be between 1.4 to 1.7 weeks. The second most common type of compensated eye injury was open wounds with the median time lost ranging between 2.0 and 2.4 weeks over this same period.

Blunt Trauma Injuries - In the same 2009 study, being hit by moving objects was found to be the most common mechanism of injury, with approximately 1.6–1.8 weeks lost off work. The second most common mechanism was hitting objects with a part of the body resulting in 1.6–2.0 weeks time off work.

Chemical Eye Splashes and Burns - Splashes of chemical and other substances either directly or indirectly can cause permanent and irreparable damage to the eye.

UV Exposure - Extended exposure to Ultra Violet light and radiation (artificial and natural) increases sensitivity to the sun which can result in short and long term affects.

Extended Computer Use - Working in front of a computer screen for extended periods of time without regular refocusing to the distance, will potentially induce strain on the eyes.

Poor Lighting Levels - Working in poorly illuminated areas will increase the effects of physical visual defects and induce strain on the eyes.

The combination of visual defects and common eye injuries in the workplace contribute to decreased personal safety, work efficiency and performance. By introducing a Visual Performance Program employers can work towards promoting a safer workplace for everyone whilst managing the risk that current and potential visual challenges pose in the workplace.

To coincide with this four part series on Visual Performance; Prescription Safety Glasses Pty Ltd are hosting seminars in a national campaign to educate local business and industry on how to run a Visual Performance Program. For more details please visit www.rxsg.com or call (02) 4322 4597.

Upcoming PSG Visual Performance Seminars will be held in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, New South Wales. Contact PSG for specific dates and locations.