Each year, an estimated 100,000 people experience sports-related eye injuries. About 13,500 of these injuries result in permanent vision loss, making eye injuries the leading cause of blindness in children. Thankfully, 90% of sports-related injuries can be avoided with the use of protective wear. Here are other steps you can take to ensure your safety and your children’s safety on the field.

Most Common Sports-Related Injuries

Basketball and baseball are recorded to cause the most eye injuries, followed by water sports and racquetball. Any sport that requires body contact or the use of a ball, puck, or stick increases the athlete’s chance of eye injury.

The most common eye injuries that occur during sports include blunt trauma, an orbital blowout, a ruptured globe, a detached retina, penetrating injuries,  and radiation injuries.

How Can I Protect Myself/ My Children?

Each sport has specific protective wear recommended for children and adults. For example in baseball, a helmet with a polycarbonate face mask or wire shield should be worn while at bat. If your child plays ice hockey, he or she needs a face mask approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council. Research your sport or your child’s sport in order to determine the best eye equipment out there.

Keep in mind that contact lenses and sunglasses will not protect your eyes from blunt or penetrating injuries. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, ensure that you’re also wearing protective eyewear as well.

In support of Sports Eye Safety Month this April, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds athletes everywhere that the great majority of sports-related eye injuries can be avoided by simply wearing the proper protection.

CALL THE CATONSVILLE EYE GROUP TODAY!

Here at the Catonsville Eye Group, providing the best patient care is out #1 priority. The professionalism of our doctors coupled with our capable and caring staff, state of the art technology, and extensive frame and lens options are what have made Catonsville Eye Group the first choice for families in our community.  We strive to provide the best possible professional care at fair and reasonable prices to our patients in the most courteous way possible!

If you would like to schedule an appointment, order contact lenses, or ask questions about our services at Catonsville Eye Group, please call our office at (410) 747-1221 or email us by clicking this link. We will respond to your request within 24 hours.

We’re located at the heart of the Music City at 611 Frederick Rd., Suite 101. Drop on by, or schedule an appointment today. We’re looking forward to seeing you!