Learn About Sports Eye Safety
Every year, thousands of people sustain an eye injury while playing sports. This type of injury is especially common among children between the ages of 11 and 14. According to the National Eye Institute, someone is treated at an Emergency Department for a sports-related eye injury every 13 minutes!
At Carolina Vision Care, our Greenville optometry team helps active people of all ages avoid these injuries and optimize their vision. If you have a young athlete in your family or are involved in sports yourself, check out the following top three things to know about sports eye safety:
3 Things to Know about Sports Eye Safety
- The top two most common sports associated with eye injuries are baseball and basketball. Other sports include racquetball, water polo, and sports that involve the use of objects such as balls, pucks, sticks, etc. High contact and physical sports like mixed martial arts and wrestling are also commonly associated with eye injuries.
- A sports-related eye injury can range from mild to severe. In extreme cases, a severe injury can cause permanent blindness or the loss of an eye. More common injuries include bruising, scratches to the front surface of the eye, and fractures of the bones surrounding the eye.
- At least 90% of sports-related eye injuries can be prevented! This can be done through practicing good sports eye safety, which includes wearing appropriate equipment (including helmets, face shields, and goggles), repairing or replacing damaged equipment, and talking to your doctor about specialized protection if you or your loved ones have eye problems.
Scheduling an eye exam is an important part of sports eye safety! At Carolina Vision Care, we are able to assess your vision and prescribe sports-friendly prescription eyewear like polarized sunglasses, contact lenses, and more.
Need an Eye Exam?
Get the most out of your performance and keep your eyes safe! Schedule an eye care exam at Carolina Vision Care by calling (252) 752-4380!