Sports Eye Safety
September is Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month and Triad Eye Institute would like to remind you of the eye injuries that can occur during sports and how they can be prevented.
Fall sports, including football and volleyball, can be a hotbed for eye injuries. Fingers making contact with the eyes is one of the leading types of injuries seen in these sports. A finger to the eye can be a minor injury leading to temporary discomfort or something more serious such as a cornea scratch or other traumatic injury.
It is important to take precautions, especially for those who depend on glasses or contacts. Here are a few tips for athletes to keep in mind:
- Those who wear prescription glasses should ask their eye care practitioner (ECP) to be fitted with prescription eye protection. Monocular athletes should consult with an ECP to determine which sports are safe to participate in. Monocular athletes should always wear sports eye protection.
- Sports protective eyewear should be labeled as ASTM F803 approved. Check the packaging to ensure that the eye protector selected has been tested for sports use.
- Make sure the lenses either stay in place or pop outward in the event of an accident. Lenses that pop in against the eyes can be very dangerous.
- Fogging of the lenses can be a problem. Some types of protective eyewear are available with anti-fog coating. Others have side vents for additional ventilation. Try on different types to determine which is most comfortable.
- Sports eye protection should be padded or cushioned along the brow and bridge of the nose. Padding will prevent the eye protection from cutting the skin.
- Try on the eye protector to determine if it’s the right size before purchasing. Adjust the strap and make sure it’s not too tight or too loose.
- All athletes should get an eye exam from an eye care professional. An expert may be able to detect a vision problem and improve performance in addition to saving sight later in life.
Contact lens wearers can also have trouble during athletic activities, when lenses have a tendency to fall out. It is important to never re-insert a contact lens back into the eye after it has come it contact with the ground.
If you or someone you know has sustained an eye injury while playing sports, be sure to seek medical attention from a qualified eye care professional.
