SPORTS PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR
Make protective eyewear part of your child’s sports equipment!
Sports-related eye injuries are more common than you may think! Did you know that nearly 30,000 sports-related eye injuries are treated in emergency rooms each year in the U.S.? While this number may be shocking, 90% of these serious eye-related injuries could have been prevented with protective eyewear.
The most common types of eye injuries that can happen while engaged in sporting activities include:
-
Blunt Trauma. This occurs when an object collides the eye with blunt force. This is the most common type of eye-related injury and can cause retinal detachment, broken bones around the eye socket, iris injury, and retinal tears.
-
Corneal Abrasion. This occurs when the eye surface comes in contact with a foreign object. This may include getting poked in the eye, a scratched eyeball, dust, or sand getting into the eye. The effects of this type of injury can result in eye redness, blocked tear ducts, vision impairment, and infection.
Do my child's regular glasses protect them from sports-related eye injuries?
It is important to know that wearing corrective prescription lenses and contact lenses provides little or no protection. Regular eyewear may even cause a more severe eye injury!
How do I choose the right
protective eyewear for sports?
While there is no single device able to prevent all eye-related injuries, wearing sports eye protection that meets strict American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for the sports being played can significantly reduce the risk of sports-related eye injury. Be sure to choose 100% UVA and UVB protection for outdoor sports to further protect your eyes.
For sports that can have various light situations, consider Photochromic (lenses that change colour) or tinted lenses. Frames must be used with a sports band or retention strap to ensure they stay in place during physical activities.
Still not sure where to start? We are here to help! At Lake Views Eye Care, we carry a wide selection of Protective Eyewear for kids that meets the ASTM Standards. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the right product for your specific needs. Give us a call, 519-832-5000. We look forward to helping you.
