September – Sports Eye Safety Month

Dr. J.A. Parker
Dr. J.A. Parker

September is Sports Eye Safety Month. Sponsored by Prevent Blindness America, this month is dedicated to be a reminder that thousands of eye injuries occur every year from sports. Contact sports like football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, and soccer puts many at a higher risk for eye injury than non-contact sports such as golf, swimming, and running. Since sports seasons has begun with kids in school again, I want to get the word out so that we can prevent many eye injuries during this sports season.

A few common injuries to occur during sports are as follows:

Corneal abrasions – an abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the eye. In most cases, abrasions heal within 2-3 days with proper treatment to prevent infection.

Traumatic Iritis – is inflammation of the iris from injury (the colored part of the eye). The symptoms of this condition are eye pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to bright lights. Proper treatment with eye drops is required immediately to resolve the pain and to prevent blindness.

Hyphema – is bleeding in the front part of the eye caused by trauma. Preventing the bleeding is critical to avoid permanently blurred vision, glaucoma, and other serious eye problems.

Angle recession – can occur as a result of damage to the structure of the eyes that affects the fluid drainage system. Fluid pressure can gradually increase over time and result in glaucoma several years after an injury. Any time there is an eye injury from impact, it requires this area to be carefully monitored so this condition can be managed as soon as possible. Retinal tear or detachment – results when the lining of the eye (the retina) separates from the inside wall of the eye. If this occurs, the symptoms are flashing lights, floating spots, or noticing a curtain-veil drop in the vision. This condition requires urgent attention to prevent permanent vision loss. These are some problems that can occur with sports injuries. Now that you know about these, take no risks. Make sure proper eye protection for safety is worn when you or your child is playing a sport. It is small investment for preventing a permanent problem. The best solution is always PREVENTION! With COVID-19, there may not be as many organized sports happening thru the school systems, but it is important for you to know these facts so you will be ready for the next season. If you are in need of an eye care provider, I invite you to visit EnVision Eye Care. 321 W. Montgomery Crossroads, Savannah

(near Hunter Golf Course) For appointments, call (912)

927-0707 and visit us at www.envisionsavannah.com

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