Health & Wellness

Prevent Eye Injuries Due to Sports and Toys
By Mark A. Sibley, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Published: July / August 2008

Baseball, basketball and racquet sports are the largest causes of eye injuries in sports activities. The real tragedy is that most of these injuries are to children. The junior high school years are the most dangerous, and boys are involved in almost 90-percent of eye accidents.

Eye injuries due to sports can happen anywhere: at home, at work, at school or on the neighborhood field or playground.

The most blinding injuries come from projectile "toys" such as BB guns, pellet guns, darts, slingshots and bows and arrows.

Take precautions! Observe the safety rules when you or your children are at play. Children must be taught to play safely, and parents must be alert to hazardous playthings.

People who normally wear eyeglasses can have prescription made up in safety glasses with stronger lenses and frames to protect their eyes while playing sports activities.

Clear eye protectors are also available from sporting good stores, sports facilities or from eye doctors or opticians. But remember, they offer absolutely no protection if they remain in your gym bag, locker or glove compartment!

Eye injuries can blind you or your loved ones, but you have the power to prevent blindness if you follow the simple precautions mentioned. Injuries can be prevented almost 100-percent of the time with proper eye safety practices and appropriate eye protection.

Always wear safety glasses or clear eye protectors while playing sports.

Eye safety is no accident. It is no different from wearing your seatbelt or not touching a red-hot stove.

This summer please remember that whatever you are doing, your eyes are at stake.

Dr. Sibley has over 20 years of experience in the ever-evolving field of ophthalmology. He is a board-certified ophthalmologist, F.A.C.S., and he is highly trained to perform the advanced operations offered by the Florida Eye Center. He is medical advisor to the Society to Prevent Blindness and to the American Diabetes Association, and is team ophthalmologist for the Devil Rays. Send Dr. Sibley an email: DrSibley@FloridaEyeCenter.com