Eye Health and Wellness in Workplaces

Studies show that tired eyes are the leading cause of bad eye health. This problem impacts the workforce most, with 77% of UK adults saying they experience eye strain after a long day at work. The numbers are clear indicators that workplaces must advocate for wellness and good eye conditions for employees. 

Creating a sustainable, eye-healthy workplace is achievable with the right focal points. 

Introducing more natural light

Natural light is an essential part of healthy building, a practice that focuses on improving the environment of workers for their long-term wellness. Having ample natural light sources helps align the body’s circadian rhythm and boosts serotonin production, which are crucial elements in improving workers' moods and cognitive functions. 

Our eyes also respond better to natural sunlight as long as they are not exposed directly outdoors. Ophthalmologists note that people tend to read more easily in well-lit environments. If applied well, the atmosphere becomes more conducive for work and visual activity, especially as Vitamin D from the sun helps regulate key calcium levels that help maintain good eyesight. 

Managing blue light

Most workplaces today have blue light everywhere. Digital exposure has become an intrinsic part of many employees’ daily lives. While the sun also produces blue light, artificial sources like screens and lighting fixtures emit a concentrated amount that leads to eye strain. This concern is one of the biggest priorities for workers, even though 81% of employers believe blue light protection increases employee productivity. 

Monitors can be set to a blue light setting that changes the screen's hue to minimise exposure, but this can’t always be applied in cases where accurate colour grading is essential to the work being done. Hence, many workers manage this by using blue light glasses.

BlueReflect lenses are a common option that uses anti-reflective coating to reduce glare and filter out blue-violet light from digital screens. Alternatively, the KODAK UVBlue lens includes UV blocking and anti-static layers that are perfect for workers with more intensive interactions with electronic components. 

European laws are making great strides in this area, requiring companies to provide prescription lenses for employees who regularly work with screens. For workplaces unaffected by this ruling, blue light filters can be applied over screens, and specialised bulbs can be installed to further minimise overall exposure. 

Creating a good colour palette

Workplaces must also focus on creating a colour scheme that is easier on the eyes. While simply having the presence of “harsh colours” such as red, orange, and yellow will not directly impact eye health, these can feel more strenuous to look at for extended periods. 

Cooler colours also directly impact employees' moods. Considering that over half of British workers say they feel stressed at work, it’s good to use interior elements that feel calming and motivating. Earth tones, soft greens, and other cool paint hues have been proven to improve spaces for productivity. 

Hitting the right brightness

Balance is the best when it comes to protecting workers' mental space and eye health. You don’t want to create an environment that is too bright and harsh, but dimly lit spaces do more harm than good. 

Neutral white lighting is the best option for areas designated for work, as this maintains concentration without overly cool tones that can strain the eyes. It’s good to have ample sources of light that can be controlled so that workers aren’t limited to one brightness level. Phillips Hue has an extensive line of smart bulbs that can be controlled to adjust energy consumption, warmth, and luminosity. 

You don’t want to go below 300 lumens because it fatigues the eyes more to process information. On the other hand, anything above 500 lumens can damage the retinas. Workplaces should also be mindful of the type of surfaces around the space. It’s best to avoid overly reflective materials if exposed to light sources, as glare not only hurts long-term eye health but also causes migraines.