Not a lot of parents worry about their kids getting sports-related eye injuries since they’re not a risk anyone would immediately tie to sports. However, they’re a lot more common than you think. Statistics say every 13 minutes, the emergency room treats a sports-related injury. And, one in three of these cases involves kids.
Given the risks, parents should take necessary precautions to protect their kids’ still-developing vision.
The Risk Varies
Keep in mind that there’s a higher risk of eye injury in certain sports than others. In the country, basketball is the leading cause of eye-related injuries. A 2018 study found that from 1990 to 2012, the sport caused 16% of eye injuries in kids. Baseball came in second, followed by softball, airsoft rifles, pellet guns, racquetball and hockey.
Make Sure Your Kids Wear Eye-Safety Gear
Most of these eye-related injuries could have been prevented if the kids wore some form of eye protection. The problem is it isn’t required in certain sports. So, parents should make sure their kids wear eye-safety gear, even if it isn’t part of the standard sports attire.
Picking the Right Form of Eye Protection
The recommended form of eye protection varies from sport to sport, although there are a few overarching guidelines:
- If your kid wears prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, ask your local optometrist about prescription protective sports eyewear.
- Prescription sports glasses should be made of shatter-proof polycarbonate material that can provide adequate ultraviolet (UV) protection.
- Most doctors would recommend sports goggles, but they might not be a great fit for narrow faces.
Looking for an eye doctor near your area? Guilford Eye Center offers a wide range of professional eye care services, including LipiFlow® treatment. To schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained optometrists, call us at (336) 292-4516, or fill out our form here. We serve patients in High Point, NC, as well as its surrounding areas.
