Workers’ Compensation for Vision Loss in Ohio

Causes of Vision Loss in the Workplace

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 3.4 million Americans at or above 40 years of age are blind or visually impaired. Meanwhile, up to 21 million Americans experience “vision problems” and up to 80 million have blinding eye diseases.

There are a number of things that can contribute to vision loss. Things like muscular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, blocked blood vessels, strokes, and diabetes are some of the more common age and health-related causes of loss of vision. Eye infections, chemical burns, and traumatic eye injuries (i.e., objects penetrating the eye) are some of the more common among work-related accidents. Let’s take a closer look at these below.

Physical Trauma

Impact from objects, such as flying debris, tools, or particles, can lead to injuries like corneal abrasions, contusions, or more severe trauma. For example, objects striking workers in the eye when using equipment such as saws or other power tools can potentially lead to temporary or permanent vision loss and result in a work injury claim. 

Chemical Exposure

Contact with harmful chemicals, either through splashes, vapors, or residues, can cause eye injuries and vision loss. This is particularly common in industries such as manufacturing, cleaning, and laboratory work.

Infectious Diseases

In workplaces where there is a high risk of infection, such as healthcare facilities, workers may be exposed to infectious diseases that can affect the eyes and lead to vision loss if not properly managed.

Exposure to Bright Light or Radiation

Continuous exposure to intense light sources, including ultraviolet (UV) light from welding, lasers, or direct sunlight, can damage the eyes. This category includes photokeratitis and various forms of radiation-induced cataracts.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

Prolonged use of computers or digital devices can also lead to eye strain, dry eyes, blurred vision, and other symptoms of CVS. While these conditions are usually temporary, they can cause significant discomfort and impact productivity.

Ergonomic Strain

Poor workplace ergonomics, including inadequate lighting, improper workstation setup, and prolonged focus on tasks without breaks, can contribute to eye strain and vision problems over time.

Long-Term Strain

Occupations that require intense focus on small details or objects for long periods can lead to long-term vision issues, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, due to the strain placed on the eyes.