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August 2001 Protective
Eyewear Summer months conjure up images of sports, sun, and outdoor fun. The summer also reminds me of the importance of protective eyewear. In keeping with our theme of preventive eye care, I'll discuss recommendations for a safe summer season. An estimated 40,000 sports-related eye injuries occur each year in the U.S. Sports are the major cause of eye injuries in school-age children. However, 90% of sports-related injuries are preventable when proper protective eyewear is used. Sports with the highest risk of eye injury include basketball, baseball, racquet sports, football, hockey, lacrosse and paint ball. In basketball, most eye injuries are due to eyes being poked by fingers and elbows. In baseball, most eye injuries come from being hit with the ball while at bat. Appropriate protective eyewear for most high-risk sports consists of sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses. Athletes who play certain sports, such as football, hockey, and lacrosse, and baseball players while at bat may benefit from full-face guards or shields. Eye protection is of utmost importance in athletes with vision worse than 20/40 in one eye in order to protect the good eye. Protective eyewear is not limited to shatterproof goggles and face shields. A good pair of sunglasses will help protect you from the sun's harmful ultraviolet light. Studies show that exposure to bright sunlight can increase the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration, both leading causes of vision loss among older adults. When selecting sunglasses, make sure they block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Color and cost are not important. Ideally, your sunglasses should wrap all the way around, so the sun's rays can't enter from the side. In addition to your sunglasses, wear a broad-brimmed hat. Although sunglasses should be used year round, be especially careful in the summer and on the water. Even if you wear contacts with UV protection, remember your sunglasses. Remember that the sun's harmful rays can pass through clouds. And, don't forget the kids. Consider keeping them inside during the summer sun's greatest intensity, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Each summer we should also recognize the hazards of fireworks. Most injuries occur during the Fourth of July weekend, and most occur to teenage boys. Nearly half of those injured are bystanders. Most injuries are caused by bottle rockets (illegal in Massachusetts) and about half result in blindness. New standards for eyewear can truly prevent unnecessary injury. Nonetheless, we still often consider protective eyewear to be cumbersome or unnecessary. Imagine if we still felt that way about seatbelts and child restraints. A single accident can affect you for life. Be good to your eyes this summer. |