|
Baseball,
basketball and racquet sports are the
largest causes of eye injuries in sports
activities. The real tragedy is that most
of these injuries are to children. The
junior high school years are the most
dangerous, and boys are involved in almost
90-percent of eye accidents.
Eye injuries due to sports can happen
anywhere: at home, at work, at school or
on the neighborhood field or playground.
The most blinding injuries come from
projectile "toys" such as BB guns, pellet
guns, darts, sling-shots and bows and
arrows.
Take precautions! Observe the safety rules
when you or your children are at play.
Children must be taught to play safely,
and parents must be alert to hazardous
play things.
People who normally wear eyeglasses can
have prescription made up in safety
glasses with stronger lenses and frames to
protect their eyes while playing sports
activities.
Clear eye protectors are also available
from sporting good stores, sports
facilities or from eye doctors or
opticians. But remember, they offer
absolutely no protection if they remain in
your gym bag, locker or glove compartment!
Eye injuries can blind you or your loved
ones, but you have the power to prevent
blindness if you follow the simple
precautions mentioned. Injuries can be
prevented almost 100-percent of the time
with proper eye safety practices and
appropriate eye protection.
Always wear safety glasses or clear eye
protectors while playing sports.
Eye safety is no accident. It is no
different from wearing your seatbelt or
not touching a red-hot stove.
This summer please remember that whatever
you are doing, your eyes are at stake. |
|
Dr. Mark
Sibley
Dr. Mark
Sibley, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a Board
Certified Ophthalmologist and laser
specialist who practices locally. He is
medical advisor to the Society to Prevent
Blindness and to the American Diabetes
Association, and is team ophthalmologist
for the Devil Rays. |
