Simple Tips for Your Child's Sports Eye Safety
Over 33,000 people were treated for sports-related eye injuries in 2017. As alarming as that number might be, you and your child don't have to contribute to this harrowing statistic. There are several steps and best practices that you can use to protect your child's vision and engage in sports eye safety. The experts at Chapel Hill Ophthalmology in Chapel Hill, have outlined a few actionable steps you can take.
Sports Vision Care Is Important
Every child who plays sports should wear protective eyewear. Even if your child doesn't wear contacts or eyeglasses, they should wear some type of protective eyewear to preserve their vision. As a parent, it's up to you to protect your child's eyes.
Look for Polycarbonate Lenses
All sports eyewear lenses should be crafted from polycarbonate materials. This material is engineered to provide the highest level of protection from impacts. In fact, polycarbonate lenses can withstand projectiles that are traveling as fast as 90 MPH. You can find polycarbonate lenses for glasses as well as sunglasses.
A Proper Fit Is Necessary
When choosing proper eyewear, it's vital your child's goggles or glasses are properly fitted. This means you'll find the best success by working with an eye care specialist to ensure a proper and secure fit.
Consider a Protective Eyewear Helmet Attachment
If your child wears a helmet as protective gear, consider adding a polycarbonate guard or a facemask. You can choose from a range of different polycarbonate protective solutions that can be worn by themselves or attached to helmets.
Make Sure the Eyewear Is Up to the Task
Not all protective eyewear is created equally. Make sure you look for eyewear that meets the impact standards of the American Standards for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Look for Protective Eyewear Labels
Fashion glasses and sunglasses are not held to the same protective standards as eyewear labeled as protective eyewear for sports use. Regular eyeglasses feature lenses that could easily come out upon impact. This could damage, cut, or puncture your child's eye. At the same time, a flimsy frame that is mangled from impact could cause injury to the ocular region of the eye.
Eye Care in Chapel Hill
Whether your child is playing basketball, football, lacrosse, or tennis, it's imperative to protect their eyes. The sports vision eye care experts at Chapel Hill Ophthalmology can help. Call us today at (919) 942-8701 to learn more about your protective eyewear options.