The Eye Injury Snapshot, a yearly survey conducted by The American Academy of Ophthalmology, shows that 40% of eye injury cases are sports-related. For Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month in April, your expert optometrist from Six One Six Vision Center shares four tips to protect your eyes from sports-related trauma.
- Consult with Your Trusted Eye Clinic
We advise that you visit your eye doctor before engaging in contact sports. We may perform a comprehensive eye exam to assess your eyes and provide preventive measures (protective eyewear) to protect them from trauma. Most athletes have their eyes routinely evaluated to ensure they have intact vision while playing.
- Use Protective Eyewear At All Times
Studies reveal that using proper sports optical gear could have prevented approximately 90% of the reported sports-induced eye injuries. The kind of sports or activity you’ll be participating in plays a major factor in determining what type of sports eyeglasses we will recommend. The sport’s governing body or the American Society for Testing and Materials usually establishes guidelines on what type of protective eye device should be worn.
- We May Suggest Using Polycarbonate Lenses
Polycarbonate lenses are a popular choice because of the excellent protection they offer. They are made of high-quality, impact-resistant materials, allowing them to withstand great amounts of pressure. They are also less likely to break which makes them a good choice for sports eyewear.
- Be Aware of Common Signs of Eye Injuries
Signs of eye trauma are not always easily seen. This is why your eye doctor advises you to be familiar with common signs of eye injuries. The earlier you recognize these manifestations, the better chances we have of providing appropriate management and saving your vision.
For more tips on protecting your eyes from sports related injuries, call us at (208) 514-1858 or complete our form. We serve Eagle, Meridian, and nearby Idaho areas.
