Published: 9 July 2021 | Updated: 28 September 2026 | Author: Smart Vision Optometry
Editorial and clinical update — 28 September 2026: The original article/interview body below is retained in its editorial form, including its attributed quotations and narrative structure. Current evidence and clinical guidance are presented separately below and should be relied on where older wording or claims differ.
All occupations have their risks. They may be obvious or insidious, and it’s often the latter that gets the least attention. “At Eyes in Design, we deal with patients facing a variety of workplace hazards that can affect their vision, and knowing what they are is the first step towards dealing with them effectively,” says Australian behavioural optometrist Jacqueline Gattegno.
Jobs Requiring Near Work and Screen Time
It’s long been believed that jobs requiring very detailed, fine work or close-up work can adversely affect the eyes. However, it’s more a case of eye-strain than vision loss. Nevertheless, eye strain and its consequences are uncomfortable enough to have a very negative impact on one’s work and daily life, so it should certainly be classed as an occupational hazard.
“Eye strain is a real problem for people who do a lot of near work and computer-based work. There are studies that suggest that prolonged screen time could cause permanent damage to eyes. However, the generally accepted view is that digital eye strain is like other forms of eye strain: it can cause symptoms like blurry vision or even double vision, but once the strain is relieved, the symptoms go away,” says Jacqueline. “At Eyes in Design, eye exercises, computer glasses that reduce the effects of blue light, or both are suggested. It’s also worth looking at workplace ergonomics and simple ways in which workers can reduce the risk of straining their eyes.”
Clinical clarification — 28 September 2026: The original interview quotation is retained. Screen discomfort does not by itself establish permanent damage, and persistent blur or double vision should not be assumed to resolve when a task ends. A 2023 Cochrane review found blue-light-filtering spectacles may offer no short-term eye-strain advantage over comparable lenses without the filter. Eye exercises require a specific clinical indication; they are not a universal treatment.
Jobs in Which Foreign Objects or Chemicals can Injure Eyes
For those who work in an environment where there’s flying debris, no matter how small, eye protection is a must. “Foreign bodies in the eye can lead to corneal abrasions, even when they are quite small,” says Jacqueline. “Chemicals can be even more dangerous. The bottom line is that workplace health and safety protocols should indicate which jobs require eye protection, and when they do, compliance is key.”
“You may want to visit an optometrist and find out about industrial safety glasses. They don’t replace protective eyewear, but they don’t break as easily on impact, and some designs allow for the addition of side-shields that allow the glasses to be used as protective eyewear for certain tasks.”
Safety clarification: Do not add side pieces to ordinary glasses and assume they now meet workplace requirements. Use eyewear specified for the actual task and hazard, with suitable protection ratings, fit and compatibility confirmed by the responsible safety adviser or supplier. Prescription safety eyewear and over-glasses protection have different specifications.
Outdoor Jobs
Working outdoors in the sunshine might sound like a pleasant prospect, but it has a few downsides, and the sun itself is one of them. Excessive UV exposure can harm the eyes, including corneal sunburn and an increased risk of some cataracts. “If you work outdoors, you should wear polarised sunglasses or choose glasses with photosensitive lenses that darken in sunlight,” says Jacqueline. “There is a very real risk of permanent damage to the eyes from excessive sun exposure, and they need protection.”
UV clarification: Polarisation reduces glare, but it does not by itself establish UV protection. Nor does lens darkness or a photochromic response. Check the product’s UV protection label and suitability for the task; sunglasses do not automatically provide impact or chemical protection. See Cancer Council Australia’s eye-protection advice.
Shift Work or Sleep Deprivation
Long or irregular shifts can affect sleep and comfort. People experiencing recurring dry-eye symptoms or sleep difficulties should describe the pattern to an appropriate healthcare professional. “Insufficient sleep has been linked to glaucoma which can cause total vision loss,” says Jacqueline. “Dry eyes may sound more uncomfortable than vision-threatening, but dry eyes are also more susceptible to infections. It’s important for your overall health to get enough sleep, and if you’re not able to sleep properly, you need to look for solutions to rectify that.”
Evidence context: Research associations between sleep and glaucoma do not establish that an individual’s poor sleep causes glaucoma. Neither shift work nor a poor night’s sleep diagnoses it. Eye symptoms and sleep problems need assessment on their own merits.
Risk is Part of Life, but Risk Mitigation Should be Too
Risk is an ever-present part of life and risk avoidance isn’t always possible. However, risk mitigation is almost always possible, and safeguarding one’s vision should be given priority. “If you’re concerned about the way in which your work affects your vision, visit a behavioural optometrist who will not only look at how well you can see, but also the visual demands of your job,” Jacqueline concludes.
HEAR: Ultra106.5FM Interview with Jacqueline Gattegno – Changes in Eyesight Due to a Rise in Stress Levels
For more information on eye injuries and impairments, and how they can be treated, or to make an appointment for a regular eye check, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.
Book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.
Related interviews and workplace guidance
Read the related interviews on your job and your vision, workplace eye protection and computer vision syndrome. Queensland workplace eye-injury guidance explains why protection must match the task. Routine eye care does not replace a workplace risk assessment.
Know when to seek urgent help
An eye injury requires a different response from an appointment about recurring work discomfort. Chemical exposure, an embedded object or a penetrating injury needs urgent medical care. Do not attempt to remove an embedded object yourself.
See our workplace protection and first-aid guide and Healthdirect’s injury advice. Follow the workplace emergency procedure and do not delay care to complete a routine booking form.
Frequently asked questions
Are screen discomfort and an eye injury the same problem?
No. Discomfort during a task and exposure to an injury hazard require different assessment and responses.
Do dark lenses prove that sunglasses provide UV protection?
No. Lens darkness alone does not show the level of UV protection. Check the label and ask about the actual protection provided.
Can I choose safety eyewear from my job title alone?
No. Selection should consider the specific task, hazards, wearer and other equipment, with appropriate workplace and supplier advice.
Routine care in Bondi Beach and Mosman
Contact the Bondi Beach practice or Mosman practice for a routine prescription or eye-health assessment. For desk-related symptoms, explore our digital eye strain service.
