April 2019 has been designated “Sports Eye Safety Month” to remind people of the importance of eye safety when playing sports. Every year thousands of people suffer eye injuries due to sports play. Most, if not all, of these injuries can be averted by wearing protective eye gear when playing. If you’re an avid sports player, your Chico & Paradise optometrist from Reeve-Wood Eye Center encourages you to do your part to protect your eyes on the field. Here’s what you should know about eye safety.

Sports Related Eye Injuries

When you play sports, there’s always the risk of getting some kind of injury. Eye injuries may range from mild scratches on the cornea of your eye to bruised eyelids to retinal detachment or other internal injuries that can permanently impair your vision.  

Children are often the victims of sports related eye injuries due to not wearing protective gear when they play. Your child’s vision is too important to leave to chance. The right safety gear is essential to protecting your child’s eyes on the sports field. If your child should suffer an eye injury while playing sports, see your Chico & Paradise eye doctor right away for treatment.
 

Safety Gear

The following gear has been recommended for eye safety on the sports field:
 

Sport goggles with reinforced polycarbonate lenses for playing racket ball, basketball, soccer and field hockey (goggles should be worn over prescription eyewear if you or your child wears glasses)

A Helmet with polycarbonate facial mask or wire shield for playing baseball, lacrosse or ice hockey.

Once protective eyewear becomes damaged or worn, it should be thrown out and new gear purchased to ensure you’re getting the protection you need. Whether you play an occasional game of sports or are part of a team, protective eyewear is a must to preserve your vision.

See Your Chico & Paradise Optometrist for Quality Optometry Care

From annual eye exams to eye injury treatment, Reeve-Woods Eye Center in Chico & Paradise is your one stop location for all your optometry needs. To schedule an appointment, call our eye doctor at 530-899-2244 today.