April is Sports Eye Safety Month, a perfect time to emphasize the importance of protecting your eyes while enjoying the sports and activities you love. At Newsom Eye, we are committed to helping athletes, parents, and coaches understand the critical role that eye safety plays in sports. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, ensuring that your eyes are well-protected can prevent serious injuries and help you perform your best.
The Reality of Sports-Related Eye Injuries
Each year, thousands of people suffer eye injuries related to sports that could be prevented with proper safety measures. Sports like basketball, baseball, and racquet sports are particularly associated with a high risk of eye injuries. These injuries can range from corneal abrasions and contusions to more severe cases like fractures of the orbit or even permanent vision loss.
Choosing the Right Eye Protection
The key to preventing eye injuries is to wear appropriate protective eyewear. Here are tips for selecting the right type:
- Polycarbonate Lenses: Opt for eyewear with polycarbonate lenses, which are impact-resistant and provide the highest level of protection.
- Proper Fit: Ensure that the eyewear fits properly and securely. It should be comfortable but firm enough to stay in place during activity.
- Sport-Specific: Different sports require different types of protection. For example, basketball goggles are different from swimming goggles or the face shields used in ice hockey and lacrosse.
Educating Coaches and Parents
Coaches and parents play a crucial role in ensuring that young athletes understand and use proper eye protection. Here are a few steps they can take:
- Education: Teach athletes about the importance of eye safety and the potential risks of not wearing protective eyewear.
- Enforcement: Make wearing protective eyewear a requirement, just as you would with helmets and other protective gear.
- Leading by Example: Adults should model good behavior by wearing protective eyewear themselves when participating in sports.
Common Sports Eye Injuries and First Aid
Being aware of common eye injuries and knowing basic first aid can make a significant difference in outcome should an injury occur. Here are some common injuries and tips:
- Corneal Abrasion: Do not rub the eye. Shield the eye from further contact and seek medical attention.
- Blow to the Eye: Apply a cold compress without putting pressure on the eye. Seek immediate medical attention if there is pain, blurry vision, or if the shape of the eyeball changes.
- Penetrating Injury: Do not wash out the eye or attempt to remove any object stuck in the eye. Cover the eye with a rigid shield without pressing against it and get to an emergency room immediately.
How Newsom Eye Supports Athletes
At Newsom Eye, we offer comprehensive eye examinations, fittings for protective sports eyewear, and treatment for sports-related eye injuries. We believe that preventive care is the best approach to maintaining good eye health and ensuring that you can continue enjoying sports safely.
This Sports Eye Safety Month, take the initiative to protect yourself and your loved ones from preventable eye injuries. Visit Newsom Eye at our locations across Florida, including Tampa, Sebring, Carrollwood, South Tampa, Clearwater, Brooksville, and Gainesville, for more information and to get fitted for sports-specific eye protection.
