Team sports is a great way to build character and improve physical fitness in teens. Being prepared on and off the court or field can help reduce potential injury and trauma and set children up to perform at their best, each and every day. September is Sports & Eye Awareness Month, and we have prepared 4 ways that you can help your teen prevent eye injuries during this sports season.
Most sports-related eye injuries are preventable by wearing protective gear, such as helmets and face shields. Baseball, football, and lacrosse use such protective gear to prevent eye damage. For sports and activities that don’t use special headgear, providing protective eyewear for your teen is extremely helpful.
Preparing all necessary items prior to the game day will allow easy access for when they are needed. This list may include; eye solution (for dry eyes and a sanitary way to wash away debris), extra contact lenses, and a case for changing or storing those lenses, additional eye glasses, and or protective eye wear.
Talk with your Optometrist to see if your teen is a fit for switching from eyeglasses to contact lenses. Wearing contact lenses instead of prescription glasses will give them much more freedom while playing on the court or field, and will ensure their overall safety and optimum performance.
Having a general knowledge of first aid is helpful. For cases involving eye injuries, knowing what to do in an emergency can significantly reduce vision loss or risk of eye damage. When it comes to an eye injury, do not touch or apply pressure to the wound. In case of emergency, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest Emergency Room.
For good measure, schedule annual check-ups with your optometrist to ensure that your children always have updated prescription glasses or contact lenses and that they have their eyes tested and are fully prepared for all of their sports and activities. Punzal Vision is here for all of your eye care and eyewear needs – because we want your kids to be ready on game day.
We look forward to SEEing you soon!
