As the warm days of summer beckon families outdoors, the importance of eye safety in sports becomes crucial. The start of summer, is the perfect time to focus on protecting our eyes during outdoor activities. In Belmont, where summer sports are a staple, the need for proper eyewear is not just about comfort but about essential safety.
Complete Eye Care is your family's one-stop destination for all your sports eye safety needs. We've got you covered, from comprehensive eye exams that assess your vision and eye health to a wide selection of protective eyewear.
A Closer Look at Sports-Related Eye Injuries
Sports eye injuries can range from mild irritations to severe trauma that can jeopardize vision. Emergency rooms in the US handle nearly 30,000 sports-related eye injuries annually. Common injuries include scratches from sand or dust, blunt trauma from balls, or UV-induced damage. Fortunately, wearing proper protective eyewear can prevent about 90% of these cases.
The Critical Role of Protective Eyewear
Sports eyewear is specialized glasses designed to protect the eyes during physical activities. These glasses can withstand impacts from sports equipment, reduce glare, and shield the eyes from harmful UV rays. They often feature durable materials and have a secure fit to stay in place during vigorous movements.
The Benefits of Sports Eyewear
Sports eyewear is essential for several reasons:
- Protection from Impact: Sports activities often involve the risk of flying objects, dust, and wind, which can cause eye injuries. Sports-specific eyewear can withstand impact and provide a barrier against these hazards.
- UV Protection: Outdoor sports expose athletes to harmful UV rays. Sports eyewear with UV protection shields the eyes, reducing the risk of long-term sun damage such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Enhanced Vision: Sports glasses improve clarity and contrast, helping athletes see more precisely during their activities, which can improve performance and safety.
- Prevent Glare: In water and snow sports, sunlight can reflect intensely. Polarized lenses in sports eyewear reduce glare, helping to protect the eyes and improve visual comfort and performance.
Should Children Wear Sports Eyewear?
Sports eyewear is available for children, and we highly recommend it. Children are particularly active and often engage in activities that could harm their eyes. Sports eyewear for children is durable and impact-resistant and often comes with straps to ensure it stays in place. These glasses protect against physical injuries and harmful UV rays, making them crucial for safeguarding children’s eye health during sports and outdoor activities.
Tips for Keeping Your Family's Eyes Healthy This Summer
From young ones to seniors, safeguarding your family's eyes during sports and outdoor activities is crucial for maintaining overall health. Here are tips for protecting their vision:
- Wear Sunglasses with UV Protection: Ensure everyone in the family wears sunglasses blocking UV rays to protect against harmful sunlight.
- Use Hats: Broad-brimmed hats can provide additional shade, reducing UV exposure to the eyes.
- Choose the Right Time for Outdoor Activities: Avoid outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours (10 am to 2 pm) when UV rays are strongest.
- Stay Hydrated: Keeping hydrated helps maintain eye moisture levels, preventing dryness and irritation.
- Use Goggles in Pools: Chlorinated water can irritate the eyes, so wearing goggles while swimming can help protect them.
- Regular Eye Exams: Request summer eye exams to ensure that all family members' eyewear prescriptions are up-to-date and their eyes are healthy.
This June, let’s all pledge to protect our vision with appropriate eyewear, ensuring a safe and enjoyable summer filled with our favorite sports. Remember, the right pair of glasses does more than improve your game; it safeguards your future eye health.
Find Eyewear for The Whole Family at Complete Eye Care
Before summer gets into full swing, we strongly encourage you to prioritize your family's visual health by requesting an eye exam or visiting us for comprehensive eye care. Let us help ensure you and your loved ones have the best in eye protection and care. Don’t wait — prioritize eye health today and enjoy the season with clarity and confidence.