During the calendar year of 2012, more than 13,000 eye injuries were suffered by children aged 0 to 14, according to data collected by Prevent Blindness America (PBA). These injuries include infections, fractures of the eye socket, corneal abrasions, and more. And unfortunately, extremely traumatic eye injuries can lead to permanent vision loss. However, 90 percent of these injuries could have been avoided with the use of proper eye protection, according to the Coalition to Prevent Sports Eye Injuries.
With a number of high risk sports like air rifle, boxing, cricket, fencing, football, golf, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, soccer, softball, volleyball, and more starting up as school starts back, PBAÂ has named September as Sports Eye Injury Prevention Awareness Month. Throughout the month, PBA and other eye care organizations will work to help educate the public on the importance of children’s eye safety and wearing appropriate eye protection while participating in sports.
While there are four different types of eyewear, there are two appropriate for reducing the risk of an eye injury in sports, according to the Coalition to Prevent Sports Eye Injuries. The first is safety sports eyewear that complies with the requirements set out by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard F803. The second is sports eyewear that is attached to a helmet and should be used for sports where the ASTM Standard F803 eyewear is inadequate.
PBAÂ also names some other characteristics to look out for in eyewear:
- Lenses should either stay in place or pop outward in the case of an accident. Lenses that pop inward increase the chance of suffering an eye injury.
- Eyewear should either feature anti-fog coating or side vents for additional ventilation. Choose whichever is more comfortable.
- Eyewear should feature padding or cushioning along the brow and bridge of the nose that prevents the eyewear from cutting into the skin.
- Make sure the eyewear fits well before purchasing. It must be neither too loose nor too tight.
Real Kids Shades offers several types of sporty sunglasses that are perfect for your kids’ fall activities with features like side vents to prevent fogging and shatter-proof polycarbonate lenses and frames. Visit the Real Kids Shades website to find the right pair of sporty sunglasses to ensure your children’s eye safety this sports season. Some of our shades can be fitted with prescription lenses if your child requires them!
Have a safe and successful fall season!