Thousands of people make trips to the emergency room every year suffering from eye injuries caused by playing sports. A majority of serious eye injuries can be prevented by the simple act of wearing protective eyewear and protective eyewear does not mean just wearing regular eyeglasses.
The appropriate protective eyewear depends upon the sport that you are participating in. Higher risk sports such as ice hockey and baseball warrant a helmet with a polycarbonate face mask or wire shield. Other sports like basketball, racquet sports and soccer call for protective eyewear made with polycarbonate lenses.
You should check to see that the helmet or eyewear meets the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) requirements.
Any time an eye injury is sustained, you should see your ophthalmologist immediately or go to your nearest emergency room. Do not try to determine yourself if you think the injury is minor. Permanent vision loss can occur if proper medical attention is not received in a timely manner.*
Total eye care includes regular visits to your ophthalmologist or optometrist, medical and surgical care as indicated, nutritional support including eye vitamins, and prevention of eye injuries.
