A Clear Game Plan: Preventing Eye Injuries in Football and Other Sports

Football is a popular sport in North Dakota. Unfortunately, our optometrist at Eyecare Professionals, serving Hazen, Washburn, and Mandan, ND, sees an uptick in eye injuries during football season. Whether it’s the Bismarck Bucks going for a touchdown on the field or the neighborhood kids running plays in the backyard, sports eye safety is paramount.

Risks of Sports Vision and Eye Injury with Football

Most people realize that football carries inherent risks like concussion and broken bones. Fewer people realize that sports vision and eye injuries are just as common, if not more so. From corneal abrasions caused by a stray finger to a fractured eye socket from a collision, the risk of eye injuries is high with all contact sports. Although helmets do help, they aren’t perfect. Sometimes a freak eye injury happens despite the helmet, or sometimes the helmet isn’t being worn. This is often the case during practice, or when the football game is just a fun, impromptu activity during family gatherings or holidays, such as Thanksgiving. The point is, in the rough and tumble world of football and other sports, eye injuries can easily happen. Recognizing these risks is the first step in coming up with a game plan that protects players’ eyes.

Choosing the Right Equipment

Helmets are the first line of defense against eye injuries. However, an ill-fitting helmet can do more harm than good, so it’s important to spend time finding a helmet that fits correctly. Also, when it comes to growing kids, you should strive to keep up with the changing and growing physicality of the child’s head. You’ll go through several helmets through the years.

A football helmet should fit snugly but not be too tight. It shouldn’t press against the head on the sides of the eyes. Choose helmet visors made from polycarbonate material for the best protection against impact. Choose helmets that have an anti-fog coating, because this helps maintain clear vision during play. If you can’t find one with a factory coating, you can apply it yourself with an aftermarket product.

For casual play where a helmet seems like too much, opt for sports safety goggles with an elastic strap that goes around the back of the head. This kind of protective equipment won’t protect against physical trauma to the eye socket, but it is a barrier against corneal abrasions.

Contact Our Caring Optometrist Team Today

When accidents do happen, trust our optometrist near you at Eyecare Professionals for expert treatment for sports eye injuries. With three locations, in Mandan, Hazen, and Washburn, ND, we are convenient to your home, school, or work.

Schedule a proactive appointment with our experienced eye care professionals to ensure that you and your loved ones are fully equipped to take to the field with confidence and safety.