by Daniel Parker, RDPFS Contributor:
As in past years, Prevent Blindness has declared September Sports Eye Safety Month. Its purpose is “to educate the public on the risk of painful and potentially blinding eye injuries while playing sports without the proper eye protection.” According to new data from the organization, 32,600 sports-related eye injuries were treated in the United States last year. Of these, the highest single category was pool and water sports, followed by the combined category of non-powder guns, darts, arrows, and slingshots. Among teens aged fifteen or older, basketball had the most eye-related injuries. Another prominent contributor is pickleball, with the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) devoting an article to the subject. According to Prevent Blindness, “types of sports-related eye injuries include blunt trauma, including retina tears or detachment, penetrating injuries, corneal scratches and abrasions. Some eye infections are contracted through water sports, with contact lens wearers at higher risk.” Athletes should always wear eye guards while playing sports; glasses do not provide adequate protection. Lenses should be polycarbonate for best impact resistance, and they should stay in place or pop outward upon contact. Eye guards should meet or exceed the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials, International (ASTM), and should have a code designating the sports tested. ASTM does not certify guards. Additionally, those with sight in only one eye should ask a doctor which sports are safe to play. More information can be found at the webpage announcing that Prevent Blindness Raises Awareness on the Need for Eye Protection while Playing Sports.
