Annually more than 600,000 sports related eye injuries occur. 42,000 of that number require emergency treatment and 13,5000 result in permanent loss of vision. With these sort of statistics it is clear that making sure that your child’s eyes are properly protected during events

The degree of injury risk varies from sport to sport. Sports carrying a moderate to high risk are football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, cricket, lacrosse, field hockey, ice hockey, squash, racquetball, fencing, contact martial arts, boxing, wrestling, badminton, fishing, water polo, soccer, and golf. Baseball accounts for the largest number of injuries in the age group 5 -1 4 years (21%) and basketball in the age group of 15-24 years (28%). A newer sport, paint ball is associated with some very devastating eye injuries and blindness. The more common supports related eye injuries are from abrasions/contusions, detached retinas, corneal lacerations, cataracts, hemorrhages to the more serious of loss of an eye or blindness. Sports eye injuries is the leading cause of blindness in school aged children. Along with the physical and emotional life long effect a serious injury can have the financial impact is significant ranging from an estimated $175 to $200 million annually.

Studies have indicated that up to 90% of sports related eye injuries can be prevented through the use of proper protective eye wear. Parents should consult their eye care professional when shopping for what eye protection is best for the sport their child will be participating in. The lens should be made of polycarbonate, which is ten times more impact resistant, and meet the standards set by the American Society of Testing Materials.

Although not mandatory, the education of parents, coaches and children will greatly reduce the number of injuries. Visit Prevent Blindness America to obtain a copy of “Children’s Eye Safety Brochure” and join their discussion forum. Prevent Blindness America has designated September as Sports & Eye Health and Safety Awareness month. Don’t let your child be a statistic…be sure they understand the importance of protecting their eyes and set the example for them.

My Pearls of Health

Working 2gether 4 change 2 live a healthier lifestyle