In the U.S., a person gets treated for sports-related eye injury every 13 minutes. Most of these individuals are children between the ages of 11 and 14. Experts say that up to 90% of sports-related eye injuries could have been avoided by wearing proper eye protection. 

Whether you play sports for leisure or professionally, wearing appropriate protective eyewear is necessary. Find out why from a local optometrist. 

Common Sports Eye Injuries

Corneal Abrasions

A scratched cornea can be extremely painful. Without immediate treatment, corneal abrasions can lead to more severe complications. 

Fractured Eye Socket

A strong blow to the face can fracture the delicate bones surrounding the eye. It can cause severe pain, swelling and vision loss. Racquets, balls, elbows and fists usually cause blunt eye injuries. 

Retinal Detachment 

An eye injury can cause retinal detachment, which is considered a medical emergency. People playing contact sports are more likely to suffer from this condition. Prompt treatment goes a long way in minimizing the risk of irreversible vision loss or blindness. 

Traumatic Cataract

Blunt force or penetrating eye injury to the lens can result in a traumatic cataract. It can develop from days to years following the injury. 

What Can You Do to Prevent Them?

Investing in protective eyewear with durable frames and polycarbonate lenses is one of the best ways to protect your eyes against injuries when playing sports. Wearing goggles or a face shield might be necessary, depending on the sport you participate in. You can ask your doctor which eyewear suits your sport during your eye exam appointment. 

Make sure your sports equipment is in good shape. When damaged, it can potentially harm your eyes. Moreover, an individual who sustains an eye injury must receive immediate treatment. It’s best to wait for the eyes to recover or until your doctor says so before going back to training or playing sports.

Keep your eyes protected with the help of a dependable eye doctor. Spectrum Eye Care can help you choose the ideal eyewear for your needs. We also offer pre- and post-operative care for LASIK eye surgery. Call us at (704) 543-9000 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.