EYE INJURIES INCREASE IN THE
SUMMER MONTHS AND MOST CAN BE PREVENTED
The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports more eye injuries when people head outdoors in the summertime. However, serious damage to eyes and vision can be prevented easily with proper protective eye ware.
Most summer eye injuries are caused by:
- Stones, twigs and debris from lawn mowers
- Bungee cord accidents
- Paint ball games
- Baseball
- Tennis
- Unsafe toys e.g. BB guns and slingshots
- Fireworks
- Car jumper cables
- Household chemicals
- Sun damage
Specifically, baseball injuries can cause serious eye trauma. This includes fractures to the bones around the eyes as well as damage to the eye itself. Bleeding inside of the eye and damage to the retina in the back of the eye may be caused by the impact of a baseball. Softer baseballs along with proper face guards and protective goggles can prevent most of these injuries.
A review of all the high-risk activities with a goal toward the use of protective eye ware is always recommended to keep the summertime fun and accident free for all.