Eye Injury Awareness Month Sheds Light On Protective Eyewear

October 2nd, 2020

If you play sports or are very active, you may run a higher risk of eye injury than the average person. For immediate treatment or evaluation of eye injuries, schedule a consultation with the best eye doctors in Phoenix. At Swagel Wootton Eye Institute, we put your vision health first.

What is Eye Injury Prevention Month?

October is Eye Injury Prevention Month, designed to shed light on protecting your eyes and preventing vision loss. Each year thousands of people suffer from preventable eye injuries. We use this time to raise awareness on how to avoid eye injuries and highlight the need for protective eyewear.

How to Prevent Eye Injuries

Those who practice sports, work in construction or engage in risky activities face a higher risk of eye injuries. Typical eye injuries from contact sports and similar activities include eye socket fractures, corneal abrasions, infections, detached retinas and traumatic cataracts.

Selecting the right eye protection can prevent devastating injuries. Here are some tips for choosing and using the right equipment to protect your vision:

  • If you wear prescription glasses, have the best eye doctors in Phoenix prescribe prescription eye guards.
  • Monocular athletes should speak with an eye doctor before joining a sports team. These athletes also need to wear eye guards at all times.
  • Take care when purchasing eye guards. The lens should pop outward in case of an accident. If the lenses pop inward, they could injure your eyes.
  • Foggy lenses present a performance issue as well as the safety concern when you are active. Choose an eye guard with anti-fog coating and ventilation for the best results.
  • For the best impact resistance, try polycarbonate eye guards. These lenses are thinner and lighter than other materials. They also provide UV protection, and most are shatterproof.
  • Each sport has a specific standard set by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Check the packaging to ensure that the eye guards you buy meet ASTM standards.
  • Be sure to try on the eye protector before you rely on it in a game or at work. Optical stores usually fit you and adjust the eye protector for your specific needs.

When Should You See an Eye Doctor for Injuries?

If you have a deep cut or broken bone near your eye, seek medical attention immediately. See a doctor or go to the emergency room if something is stuck in your eyes such as metal or glass. Other reasons to call or visit your eye doctor include the following:

  • Change in vision
  • Severe pain in the eye or headache
  • Swelling in the eye
  • Torn eyelid
  • Double vision

Go to the emergency room or seek immediate medical help if an object is stuck in your eye. If chemicals spray into your eye, flush it out immediately with water and call your doctor if the pain does not subside.

Best Eye Doctors in Greater Phoenix

Swagel Wootton Eye Institute is a full-service eye care clinic with locations in Mesa and Chandler. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We also handle urgent appointments for eye injuries. However, do not wait for care in an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for serious eye injuries.