Posted by: Aker Kasten Eye Center in Pediatric Eye Care on December 30, 2016
Kids these days are busier than ever, with many participating in multiple team and individual sports. That’s why it’s more important than ever that parents, educators and coaches all understand the importance of eye safety.
Every year thousands of children experience preventable eye damage
Injuries and even blindness can result from accidents that occur at home, in the car and at play. And more than 90 percent of those eye injuries could be prevented if children wore protective eyewear.
Children who play sports need particular focus on their eyes
Eye injuries actually happen fairly often in children who play sports. Statistics show that between the ages of five and 14, playing baseball caused the most sports-related injuries in the U.S. But baseball isn’t the only sport or activity that can put a child’s eyes and eyesight in peril.
How can you help your child prevent eye injuries?
If your children play sports, they should wear the appropriate polycarbonate lenses for:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Football
- Hockey
- Racquet sports
- Soccer
- Rugby
- Lacrosse
- Paintball
Parents and others who provide childcare need to practice safe use of any items that can cause eye injury, such as:
- Paper clips
- Pencils and pens
- Scissors
- Bungee cords
- Hangers
- Rubber bands
- Toys
- Cleaning products
- Garden tools
If your child sustains an eye injury
Even if the injury seems minor, you should bring your child in as soon as possible. Keep your child from touching, rubbing or applying any pressure to their injured eye. Don’t apply any medication to the injured eye, but if the eye is cut, you can gently cover it. For small debris or dust, you can lift the eyelid and tell your child to blink repeatedly to help tears flush out the particles.
For more pointers and the right eyewear
Make an appointment for your child today by calling (561) 338-7722. We can talk to him or her (and you) to help the whole family understand the importance of protecting the eyes, in any situation. And we can give you more tips for avoiding eye injuries and temporarily treating your child until you can get them to the doctor.