How to protect your eyes while playing sports?

• May 16, 2024

Most of us might have played sports in our lifetime and in the world of sports our eyes are not only spectators but instead of they are active participants whether we are performing or enjoying. 

But sports can expose our eyes to various risks from projectile injuries to UV radiation. 

In this article, we will delve into the importance of eye protection in sports and how one can protect their eyes from such sports injuries. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, the safeguarding of the eyes is very important. 

Let’s explore how to keep your eyes safe in the game.

Importance of eye protection during sports

The eyes are the most important sense of organ by far. 80% of all impressions we perceive are by our eyes. 

The injuries to our eyes while playing sports may lead to many serious problems including blindness. 

Every year more than 600,000 people face eye injuries while playing sports and out of this one-third of these injuries occur in children.

Common types of injuries while playing sports

Below are some of the common types of injuries one might face while playing sports:

Blunt injuries

These kinds of injuries occur mostly when our eye is compressed by the impact of an object. They often break the bones near our eyes and sometimes damage the structure of our eyes and lead to vision loss

Corneal abrasions

These types of injuries mostly occur when the eye is poked by a finger. These are the painful scrapes outside the eye or cornea. 

Penetrating injuries

These types of injuries occur when a foreign object causes injury to our eye like breaking of spectacles while playing sports.

Symptoms of eye injury 

One can see varying symptoms of injury that might include the following: 

• The eye has an unusual pupil size or shape
• Tenderness
• Numbness of the upper cheek and gum
• Blood in the clear part of the eye.
• Severe redness around the white part of the eye.

Protective measures for eyes while playing sports

To protect the eyes from injury while playing sports one may follow the steps mentioned below:

Follow safety guidelines

One needs to follow the safety guidelines related to that particular sport and wear the protective eyewear mentioned in that sport.

Best eyewear

One needs to select the best eyewear to protect the eyes while playing sports. The eyewear that is selected should be of proper fit and UV protectant. The eyewear should be replaced regularly with a proper eye check-up.

Maintain eye hygiene

One should maintain eye hygiene to protect the eyes from bacteria.

Stay hydrated

Proper hydration is needed to prevent the eyes from risk of dryness and itching.

Practice good techniques

One needs to practice the proper techniques related to the sport to minimize the risk of injury.

Immediate first aid for the injury

While one faces eye injury there can be some steps that one can follow to prevent the injury from increasing further. The first aid for the same is as follows:

Cold compress

If one faces swelling or bruises on the eyes they can go for a cold compress. A cold compress can help to reduce the swelling of the eye. 

Wash eyes

If the injury is due to chemicals then one can attempt to clean the eyes immediately with lukewarm water.

Foreign objects

If the injury is due to foreign objects, cover the eye with a paper cup or something else and seek medical attention. Don't try to remove the foreign objects on your own.

Rub the eye

One should try not to rub the eyes if there is an injury. Rubbing the eyes with injury can worsen the situation and may lead to serious problems.

Conclusion

Keeping your eyes safe during sports is essential for maintaining long-term eye health. By following simple and effective steps one can easily reduce the risk of eyes.

Moreover, it is very important to recognize the importance of eye care services, especially for those who may be needy or helpless. In this regard, God Service Eye Clinic in Kanpur plays an important role in providing essential care to such people. 

Both preventive measures and access to essential eye care services provide protection and promote a healthy society where everyone has the opportunity to prioritize their health. 

Services provided by the God Service Eye Clinic should be promoted so that everyone can get a chance to safeguard vision for the helpless and needy.