Eye Protection Keeps Kids in the Game
Protective eyewear is key when playing sports. It can help prevent many of the 40,000
sports-related eye injuries related to sports that happen to children each year.
The sports that cause most of these injuries are basketball, baseball, pool sports,
and racket sports. But any sport that involves something that is fired or thrown is
considered hazardous to the eyes, according to the American Optometric Association
(AOA).
To help prevent sports eye injuries, children should use protective athletic eyewear.
This is important even if they wear eyeglasses or contacts. Contacts alone don't give
protection.
Parents can help protect their children's eyes by choosing the right eyewear. They
can also model good eye safety by wearing protective eyewear when they play sports.
Here are suggestions from the AOA:
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For high-risk sports. These include baseball or softball, tennis, badminton, basketball, or volleyball.
Look for one-piece plastic sports frames with prescription or nonprescription polycarbonate
lenses. These offer clear vision and protection. Plenty of frames on the market today
give protection and look stylish.
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For lower-risk sports. These include things like cycling or in-line skating. Look for strong eyeglass frames
with polycarbonate lenses.
Special features
There are special features parents and kids might want to consider, too. Padded or
rubber bridges can provide comfort. Deep-grooved eye wires hold lenses in the frame
and keep them from falling out if the frame is hit hard. A shape formed like a face
can provide a wider field of view. Headband attachments can keep frames on the head.
Kids who swim, water ski, or snorkel should check out protective goggles that hold
either prescription or nonprescription lenses.
Street hockey fans and football players need extra protection. They should wear eye-face
guards made for wearing over other glasses.
If your child's eye is injured
If your child does get hit in the eye, take them right away to a hospital emergency
room or to an eye care provider. Some kids may see stars or spots, or they may have
a change in their vision. But damage from a blow isn't always so obvious, even right
after it happens, the AOA says.