Basketball the Leading Cause of Sports-Related Eye Injury

More than 6,000 Americans suffered an eye injury related to playing basketball in one year, according to estimates by Prevent Blindness. In fact, the top five sports with the most eye injuries were basketball, water and pool activities, use of guns (air, gas, spring, and BB), baseball/softball and football. Every 13 minutes, an emergency room in the United States treats a sports-related eye injury, according to the National Eye Institute. These injuries include infection, corneal abrasions, blunt trauma, inflamed iris, fracture of the eye socket, swollen or detached retinas, or a traumatic cataract. Prevent Blindness has declared September as Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month to encourage wearing proper eye protection while playing sports. Read about what you can do to reduce sports-related eye injuries.

PBA Calls September Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month

Every year, thousands of Americans suffer an eye injury related to playing sports according to new data from Prevent Blindness. To help educate the public on the importance of proper eye protection while playing sports, Prevent Blindness has declared September as Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month. Eye injuries can range from corneal abrasions, inflamed iris, fracture of the eye socket, swollen or detached retinas or even a traumatic cataract.  And in some cases, a significant eye injury can cause permanent vision loss.  For individuals with vision issues, especially those who can only see clearly or have limited vision through one eye, proper eye protection is even more essential. Read more.