Courtesy of Eye Care & Vision Associates

Millions of students return to classrooms each fall, and also head back to the courts, fields, pitches, and courses to play their favorite sports.

Youth sports are so popular that ESPN described participation as “so big, no one really knows how big.” A report from the Aspen Institute titled “Project Play” indicated that three out of four American households have at least one school-aged child involved in youth sports. A study by Solutions Research Group found that 84% of Canadian children between ages three and 17 participate in some sport, with 60% doing so on an organized basis. The same report suggested that, while sports are extremely popular, one in five kids involved in sports will suffer an injury within a year.

Eye injuries are among the most common sports injuries. MUSC Health reports that nearly 40,000 people sustain eye injuries each year during sports or recreational activities. These injuries are mostly preventable with the use of proper safety eyewear.

The practitioners at Eye Care Vision Associates state that basketball and baseball result in the most eye injuries, followed by water and racquet sports. Here are some common sports eye injuries.

  • Blunt trauma injury: This involves a sudden impact to the eye or surrounding area. It is often caused by a projectile, such as a ball, hitting the area. Depending on the force behind it, bruising, laceration, or even an orbital fracture may occur.
  • Penetrating eye injury: This happens when an object or person causes a cut in the eye. A finger or external object, like broken glasses, can create a penetrating wound.
  • Corneal abrasion: The cornea is the eye’s outer layer. An abrasion can happen on its own or alongside other injuries. Fingernails or objects can scratch the cornea. When this occurs, debris and bacteria may enter the eye, which can lead to infection.
  • Radiation injuries: Playing sports outside exposes athletes to the harmful rays of the sun. UV damage can cause radiation injuries to the eyes.
  • Chemical injuries: Other injuries come from exposure to chemicals. Fertilizers and pesticides used in fields can splash and get into athletes’ eyes, causing irritation. Swimmers may also damage their eyes from pool chemicals.

One of the simplest ways to prevent most sports-related eye injuries is by using proper protective eyewear. All safety gear should comply with standards set by organizations like the American Society for Testing and Materials. Impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses are ideal for this purpose. Outdoor sports also require lenses that are rated as 100% protective against UVA and UVB rays.

Young athletes and their parents can also consult with an eye professional to learn about preventing and treating sports-related eye injuries. Eye Care & Vision Associates is conveniently located in Buffalo, Orchard Park, Niagara Falls, and Williamsville. Learn more at 716-631-3937 and visit www.ecvaeyecare.com.