Every year, more than 30,000 sports-related eye injuries occur in the United States. Of these injuries, more than 90 percent of them are preventable with any form of protective eye gear provided by a doctor of optometry. If you or someone you love takes part in any type of sport or physical activity, it’s important to learn about the eye protection that’s available. The sports Eye Safety Month of April is dedicated to this cause. For more information on eye protection, contact your optometrist in Kansa and Missouri at Epic Vision Eye Centers.
What Is Sports Eye Safety Month
Sports eye safety month is an event designated by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. As part of the initiative, the group provides information on how to purchase eye protection. Some of these tips include:
Always consult a doctor of optometry to get the best eye protection equipment for your sport.
If you wear prescription eyeglasses, opt for prescription safety glasses.
Choose padded eye protection to prevent injury across the bridge of the nose or along the brow.
Consult with an optometrist to ensure you are properly fitted for increased safety.
How to Prevent Sports Eye Injuries
When playing any type of sport, you should always be mindful of the safety precautions and rules in order to prevent injuries. Always wear the proper safety goggles for your sport and choose eyewear that’s labeled as ASTM F803 approved. This means the eyewear has been performance tested for the highest level of protection. For baseball, batting helmets and polycarbonate face shields should be worn, and helmets and face shields should be worn when playing hockey. It’s also important to understand that regular eyeglasses from your eye doctor aren’t enough to provide impact protection.
There’s No Reason to Risk Your Vision