SATURDAY, May 10 (HealthDay News) -- Every year in the United
States, about 40,000 people suffer sports-related eye injuries,
says the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), which recommends
that all athletes wear appropriate, sports-specific eye protection
properly fitted by an eye-care professional.
Lenses made from polycarbonate materials offer the highest level
of impact protection. These lenses can withstand the force of a
ball or other projectile traveling at 90 miles per hour, according
to the AAO.
"It's absolutely necessary for athletes to use protective
eyewear because eye injuries can be devastating," Dr. Ruth
Williams, a glaucoma specialist at the Wheaton, Ill., Eye Clinic
and an AAO clinical correspondent, said in a prepared statement.
"Unfortunately, many athletes feel they don't need protective
eyewear or that injuries are uncommon."
Examples of sports-related eye injuries include corneal
abrasions, eyelid bruising, retinal detachment and internal
bleeding. Consequences can include infection and vision loss, and
people who've suffered eye injuries have an increased risk of
developing glaucoma.
Eye protection is available for most sports, including
basketball, baseball, hockey, football, lacrosse, fencing,
paintball, water polo and golf.
"Wearing properly fitted protective eyewear will not harm your
performance in a game, and it may save your sight," Williams
said.
Because eye protection isn't mandatory in most children's sports
leagues, parents need to make sure their children wear eye
protection.
"Parents can spare their children needless injury and pain by
having them wear protective eyewear," Williams said.
If a person does suffer an eye injury, it's important to seek
immediate medical help. Even a seemingly minor impact can cause
serious injury. If a black eye, pain or visual problem occurs after
an eye has been hit, contact an eye doctor or seek emergency
medical help, the AAO said.
More information
Prevent Blindness America offers a list of
recommended sports eye protectors.
