How to Prevent Kids’ Eye Injuries This Season

Image from GetEyeSmart.org

Now that spring is finally here, it means more kids are rushing outside to start playing their favorite sports.  From baseball and tennis to basketball and softball, more children are enjoying time spent with friends and classmates on the field.

Unfortunately, many children also discover another unfortunate side effect of spring sports – eye injuries.  Each year, tens of thousands of children experience eye health injuries that range from minor to severe, with some even resulting in total blindness.  While 90 percent of eye injuries can be prevented by wearing protective eyewear, there are still some steps parents should take to keep their kids’ eyes protected at all times.

While the amount of risk depends on the activity your child is doing, it’s important to protect him or her from potential eye injuries.  Next time your child gears up for the next big game, make sure you take these steps to help keep his or her eyes happy and healthy:

• Don’t just buy any pair of protective eye gear – make sure you choose a pair that perfectly suits your child’s eyes. Ill-fitting eye gear won’t be as effective at protecting your child’s eyes from flying debris, athletic gear, or the occasional accidental elbow or hand.

• Make sure your child has a back-up pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses. This way, if he or she should lose his or her glasses or contact lenses, your child won’t be left in the dark.

• Provide your child with all the protective gear he or she needs. Get your child fitted for a helmet that perfectly fits, as well as any other protective gear he or she might need.

• Schedule regular appointments with your child’s ophthalmologist to ensure that his or her eyes remain healthy and protected. Your ophthalmologist can determine if your child has experienced any eye injuries, as well as provide you the tools you need to ensure an injury-free sports season.

To prevent eye injuries this sports season, schedule regular exams with your ophthalmologist. At the Center for Ophthalmology and Laser Surgery – serving the greater Fort Lauderdale, FL and surrounding Florida areas – Dr. Loeffler can help protect your child’s vision and eye health so he or she can continue enjoying sports.  Schedule an appointment with Dr. Loeffler today to learn more how to protect your child’s eye health this spring and summer: (954) 786-5353.