Participating in sports is a fantastic way to stay fit, socialize, and enjoy competition. However, playing sports can be dangerous and cause eye injuries that may result in permanent vision loss. Fortunately, athletes can prevent most sports-related eye injuries with the right precautions.
Here’s a guide from Donelson Eye Care in Nashville on how to protect your eyes with sports eyewear and other practical steps while engaging in your favorite physical activities. This June, let's prioritize protecting our vision just as much as we prioritize improving our game.
The Risks of Eye Injury Across Different Sports
Different sports involve different levels of risk for eye injuries. For instance, high-risk sports include those that involve balls, pucks, bats, or racquets, such as baseball, basketball, hockey, and racquet sports. In these sports, common eye injuries can include corneal abrasions from a ball impact, retinal detachment from a high-speed puck, or orbital fractures from a collision with a bat or racquet.
However, even non-contact sports like cycling or swimming can pose risks to eye health and vision due to exposure to UV rays or chemicals in the water.
How to Prevent Eye Injuries During Sports
Wear Appropriate Specialty Eyewear
The most effective way to prevent eye injuries in sports is to wear appropriate protective eyewear. Good safety eyewear consists of the following:
- Polycarbonate Lenses: For sports where there is a risk of impact from objects or collisions, we recommend polycarbonate lenses. These lenses are up to 10 times more impact-resistant than other plastics and do not shatter on impact, making them ideal for sports glasses. This means broken glass or sharp fragments won't pierce your eyes during a game. Not wearing protective eyewear in these sports can lead to serious eye injuries, such as corneal abrasions, retinal detachments, or even permanent vision loss.
- UV Protection: For outdoor sports, you should wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to protect eyes from sun damage. This also reduces the risk of cataracts in the long term.
- Swimming Goggles: These are ideal for protecting your eyes from the chlorine in pools, bacteria in natural bodies of water, and can be prescription-adjusted for those who need vision correction.
- Face Shields and Helmets: Sports like hockey and cricket often require full face protection. Integrating a face shield with a helmet provides both cranial and eye protection, preventing the eye socket from direct impacts that could result in serious injuries.
Regular Vision Checks
Going for routine eye exams is essential, especially for children who participate in sports. This proactive approach allows for the early detection and treatment of vision problems, which can often impair performance and increase the risk of eye injuries due to poor depth perception, misjudged distances, and unclear vision.
Know the Rules of the Game
Understanding the rules of the sport can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. Rules are often not only for fair play but also to ensure safety. Additionally, using common sense by being aware of your surroundings and playing in a safe environment can prevent accidents.
Be Prepared for an Eye Emergency
Despite taking all precautions, accidents can happen. If you or someone else experiences an eye injury, it is important to act quickly and appropriately. Avoid rubbing the eye, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and seek immediate medical help. In case of an eye injury, it is important to see an eye care professional or visit the emergency room as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage.
Encourage a Culture of Safety
Coaches, parents, and team organizers should foster a culture of safety. They can do this by:
- Ensuring that everyone wears protective gear
- Educating athletes about the importance of eye safety
- Enforcing safety rules consistently
Request a Routine Eye Exam or Emergency Appointment in Nashville
Protect your eye health and ensure optimal performance in all your sporting activities. Visit Donelson Eye Care in Nashville for standard eye care or for advanced treatments for eye emergencies.