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.

April Is Sports Eye Safety Month

"As millions take to the playing field this spring, the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons warns the public that thousands of people are blinded by sports-related eye injuries," reports Medical News Today. "In support of Sports Eye Safety Month this April, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds coaches, parents and athletes of the importance of wearing eye protection - whether for Little League or the Majors. Of the 100,000 eye injuries resulting from sports each year, an estimated 42,000 people are treated in the emergency room, and 13,500 end up legally blind. In fact, according to a January 2014 study of consumer product related injuries requiring emergency room treatment, sports equipment - including balls, bats, and rackets - was responsible for the following:

• "41 percent of emergency room visits for children age 10 to 14.
• 25 percent of emergency room visits for people age 15 to 24.
• 20 percent of emergency room visits for children age 5 to 9.

"In addition to injuries from sports equipment, many also suffer eye injuries caused by another player's errant finger or elbow to the eye."Read more.

ABO/NCLE certified speaker Linda Conlin will present on this topic this Sunday at OpticalCEUs Annual Spring Continuing Education Seminar for Opticians at  Foxwoods Resort and Casino. Linda breaks down the benefits of contact lenses over spectacles for the casual and serious athlete, fitting considerations based on various types of sports, safety in the work place, and patient management for athletes. The seminar features five other courses giving opticians the opportunity to earn three ABO and four NCLE continuing education credits.

Yet Another Warning about Eye Safety and Sports

"August is Children's Eye Health and Safety month and pediatricians are being advised to educate parents, coaches and young athletes about the dangers of eye injuries, urging them to wear protective goggles when they participate in sports, in particular for high-risk sporting activities, including fencing, boxing and ball sports, such as soccer, basketball, softball, lacrosse and baseball," notes Medical News Today. "Pediatric ophthalmologist Michael X. Repka, M.D., from the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, who is also deputy director of ophthalmology at the Hopkins Children's Center explains:

'As training season begins, and as children resume practice, emergency rooms across the country may see an influx of eye injuries from sports - yet most if these injuries are highly preventable by wearing protective goggles.'"

Read more.