Sports Eye Safety 101 | Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month

Understanding the risks of sports-related eye injuries and the precautions to take can help prevent serious eye and vision damage.September is Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month. It’s an excellent reminder of the potential for sports-related eye injuries and how to protect your vision.
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Various eye injuries can occur depending on the sport, some of which may threaten vision.
Common sports eye injuries include:

Corneal scratches: Corneal scratches or abrasions may result from being poked in the eye by another player, such as in basketball.

A black eye: This type of injury involves a bruise on the eyelid or the skin underneath the eye. It can occur from an impact, such as getting hit with a tennis ball.

Fracture to the bones around the eye: A fracture to the bone around the eye can result from various types of force. For example, a pickleball can travel up to 40 miles an hour if it hits the eye, leading to various types of damage, including fractures.

Retinal injuries: A retinal injury can also occur due to blunt force trauma to the eye. In sports-related injuries, this usually occurs due to a ball-related eye injury. According to the American Society for Retina Specialists, retinal injuries can include swelling, hemorrhage, and detachment
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Anyone playing sports is susceptible to an eye injury. However, according to the National Eye Institute, one-third of all eye injuries requiring emergency room care involve children. Additionally, most eye injuries in kids aged 11 through 14 occur when playing sports.

Children may be more susceptible to sports-related eye injuries for several reasons. For example, they may not know the risks related to the sport they are playing. They may also be self-conscious about wearing eye protection or forget to put on their safety eyewear during sports.
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There’s no need to sit on the sidelines when it comes to sports participation. People can and should enjoy participating in sports. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk of injury and protect your vision.

Wearing protective eyewear is the most important factor in reducing the risk of eye injury. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 90% of serious eye injuries are preventable by wearing appropriate eye protection.

There are a few features to keep in mind when selecting protective eyewear for sports, such as:

• Make sure eyewear meets safety standards. Check to ensure it meets the American Society for Testing Materials standards. Meeting these standards helps ensure that the lenses are made of an approved material, such as polycarbonate, which helps prevent shattering on impact.
• Check fit: Safety eyewear should fit comfortably and securely without falling off with movement or obstructing vision.
• Cushioned pad: Safety eyewear with cushion padding around the nose and brow makes it more comfortable and prevents pressure sores.
• Sports-specific design: If needed, look for safety eyewear with a sports-specific design. For example, face shields for hockey and goggles for sports with a high risk of finger poke injuries.

If you or your child sustains an eye injury, it’s important to have it checked by an eye specialist. Even eye injuries that appear mild at first can lead to complications.

If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.