It’s spring, so you should encourage your kids to get outside and participate in sports and other outdoor activities. Exercise and social interaction is great for their overall well-being, but there are risks that you must be aware of, especially as it relates to eye injuries. So be sure to take the necessary steps to keep your children’s eyes safe during athletics and other activities.
Each year about 400,000 children in the US suffer eye injuries, mainly from sports such as tennis, basketball, baseball, and badminton. However it can happen in any sport. Being hit in the eye can result in eye trauma. While trauma to the eye is usually temporary, it can lead to long term vision impairment, so it’s important to pay attention to eye safety.
Remember these 3 eye care tips for your kids this sports season
1. Do make sure that your children have the correct protective eye gear for the type of sports they’re playing. The eyewear should be made of material that is impact and scratch resistant, so that it can safeguard your child from the inevitable pokes and jabs they will encounter during play.
2. Do provide children who wear prescription eyeglasses with protective eyewear. Remember that eyeglasses are not made to protect the eyes. The lenses can break or shatter during play, and the debris may damage your child’s eye. Protective eyewear should block both the UVA and UVB rays of the sun (learn more).
3. Do take your kids to see the ophthalmologist during the sports season. You want to make sure that their vision is protected.
Contact New View Eye Center, Reston, VA for more information on maintaining your children’s eyes safe during athletics. Why not call (703) 834-9777 today and schedule an examination for with ophthalmologist Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths