SPORTS EYE SAFETY TIPS
Courtesy KEY-WHITMAN EYE CENTER
Did you know that more than 25,000 people seek treatment for sports-related eye injuries each year ? Damage to your eyes can have lasting effects extending beyond pain during the initial blow — it can lead to vision issues over time .
Protecting Your Eyes While Playing Sports Keep reading to learn more about common conditions that could affect your game , and how to protect your vision from our team at Key-Whitman Eye Center .
Keep Your Eyes Healthy on the Field Whether you ’ re competing in a game with friends or are hitting the field for some exercise , here are some tips to keep your eyes safe :
• Consider wearing contacts or shatter-proof glasses .
• Wear sunglasses when possible to prevent UV damage .
• Protect your eyes by wearing a helmet with an attached shield , goggles , or safety glasses .
• Keep your safety glasses clean .
• Have your vision checked if you sustain an injury .
Eye Conditions That Could Limit Your Ability In addition to preventing damage to your eyes , it ’ s important to know which conditions can affect your athletic ability . Certain eye conditions can limit your ability to play sports , such as nearsightedness and cataracts .
Patients with nearsightedness have trouble with long-distance vision , which can make it difficult to play field sports such as baseball , soccer , or football .
Patients with cataracts may experience blurred or distorted vision , making completing daily activities and competing in sports difficult .
Warning Signs of Eye Conditions While many patients think it ’ s okay to ignore eye issues , this won ’ t make them go away and can potentially damage your eyes more .
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or other abnormalities with your eyes , contact your ophthalmologist for an appointment :
• Sudden or severe eye pain .
• Sudden vision changes or loss .
• Heavy eye discharge .
• Burning and itching of the eye .
• Blurred , hazy , or double vision .
• Seeing flashes of light .
• Changes in the color of the iris .
• White areas in the pupil .
Thousands of people all over North Texas have chosen Key-Whitman Eye Center because of our consistently excellent care for our patients .
Learn more about our practice and how we help patients get their best vision possible . Contact Key-Whitman today for a consultation !
18 • JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022