April is Sports Eye Safety Month and in support of keeping our eyes safe this spring, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is reminding athletes everywhere that the overwhelming majority of eye injuries can be avoided by wearing appropriate eye protection.
Each year, an estimated 100,000 people experience a sports-related eye injury. Some of these injuries are worse than others. In fact, almost 13,500 of sports-related eye injuries each year result in permanent vision loss.
The risk of eye injury can vary depending on the activity. Fortunately, eye protection for athletes has come a long way since the days of old-school rec specs! Manufacturers have put a lot of research and development into producing well-designed eye protection for today’s athletes.
When determining the best protection, one factor to consider is which activity you or your child will be participating in this season. Not all protective eyewear is ideal for all activities. For example, a polycarbonate lens on an Oakley frame may work best to improve vision and protect the eyes of a baseball player, however, a pair of SKLZ Court Vision protective glasses would be a more appropriate choice on the basketball court.
Baseball is the culprit for most eye injuries in children under 14, but basketball accounts for the most eye injuries overall. Fortunately, most sport goggles are made of lightweight materials. These provide for a comfortable fit and athletes quickly become accustomed to wearing goggles.
Many assume that regular eyeglasses or sunglasses offer proper eye protection. This is a common misconception. Only shatterproof polycarbonate lenses are adequate for providing protection for your eyes while engaging in contact sports.
There are also standards set by the American Society of Testing and Materials you should consider when purchasing appropriate eye protection. When playing sports where there is a lot of contact, a face mask or wire shield might also be necessary. Different sports have different recommendations from their respective governing associations. Make sure to check these guidelines as well.
Whether you are participating in a recreational workout such as racquetball or a competitive summer league, proper eye protection is vital. Make an appointment to discuss proper protection with the professional staff at Palmetto Eye & Laser Center. Give them a call at (864) 583-6381 or use this online contact form. Coming in to get advice on which eye protection would be best for you or your child is also a great time for an eye exam as well.
