April Is Sports Eye Safety Month
Posted by: Midwest Eye Center in General
Spring has arrived, which is the perfect time for outdoor sports and games. April is National Sports Eye Safety Month, a reminder by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) to raise awareness about preventing sports-related eye injuries. Prevention is critical, and using sport-specific eye protection can help save your vision. Eye protection should be worn during any activity that poses a risk of eye injury. This protection extends beyond standard eyeglasses to specialized eye safety and sports glasses.
Are Your Eyes at Risk?
Sports are among the leading causes of eye injuries, with over 30,000 sports-related eye injuries treated annually. Ninety percent of serious eye injuries can be prevented by wearing protective eyewear. Every sport poses a risk to your eyes, making it advisable to wear protective eyewear designed to shield against fast-moving objects, debris, dust, dirt, and sand. Eye safety is crucial for spectators. Be cautious and protect your eyes from flying objects while cheering for your favorite team.
Common Sports Eye Injuries
Corneal abrasion: One of the most common sports-related injuries is a corneal abrasion. A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the cornea, the outermost layer of the eye. An abrasion typically heals within 2 to 3 days in most healthy individuals. However, seeing an eye doctor to treat the abrasion, prevent infection, and check your eyes for other injuries is essential.
Traumatic Iritis: Traumatic iritis refers to the inflammation of the iris. “Iri-” (referring to the iris or the blue or brown part of your eye) + “-itis” (meaning inflammation). Iritis, regardless of its cause, typically presents with symptoms such as eye pain, blurred vision, and increased sensitivity to bright light.
Hyphema: Another common eye injury is hyphema, which involves bleeding inside the front part of the eye. The bleeding will typically resolve on its own, usually within 1-2 weeks. Still, it can cause other severe eye problems, including glaucoma, so it is essential to see your eye doctor and follow instructions carefully if you have this type of injury.
It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention from an ophthalmologist after any eye injury, no matter how minor it may seem. Delaying medical care can lead to partial or total vision loss.
We Can Help You Find Great Eye Protection Gear!
If you’re unsure which type of eye protection is best for your favorite sport, we’re happy to offer recommendations. Call us to discuss your eyewear needs and keep you playing at the top of your form! There’s more to lose than just the game.
Stay safe, and have fun!
