sports visionMore than 40 percent of all eye injuries are related to sports or recreational activities. They represent more than 100,000 physician visits per year and cost more than $175 million. It is important to understand how to prevent these injuries from occurring.

Ninety percent of the sports related eye injuries in school aged children can be avoided with protective eyewear. It is important to understand that regular prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection and if a trauma occurs, can actually cause more damage. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that even those patients who do not require optical correction use protective eyewear during sports.

The American Society of Testing and Material (ASTM) establishes the guideline of recommended sports eye protection for children. It is important to choose protection that has been tested and meets the ASTM standards. Recommendations are different for every sport and it is important to follow the correct recommendations.

Sports eye protection needs to have an ASTM label and fit the athlete comfortably and properly. Your health care professionals can help suggest appropriate eye wear for your young athlete.

If an eye injury occurs, it should be evaluated by a health care provider to ensure no treatment is needed and that infection does not occur. While most ocular injuries are painful, some are painless and can cause permanent vision loss.

For treatment of a sports related injury or more information on protective eyewear, call UofL Physicians – Eye Specialists at 502-588-0550 for an appointment.

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Article by:

Kara Tison, O.D.

Dr. Kara Tison is an optometrist with UofL Physicians–Pediatric Eye Specialists.

All posts by Kara Tison, O.D.
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