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Whether they’re on the court, field, track, or in the pool, here’s how your child can stay sharp — and safe — out there this year.
The list of things you need to do before your child’s sports season starts is long.
There may be tryouts. You have to get a uniform. Buy any new gear they grew out of since last season. Examine the roster for their friends. Take them to the doctor for a physical.
Don’t forget to schedule a preseason eye exam, too.
At a preseason eye exam, young athletes not only get their vision checked — it’s also a great opportunity to talk about how to protect their eyes from sports-related injuries. Your optometrist can also help you decide whether glasses, contacts, or sports goggles are best for them while competing.
Here are four reasons to book that appointment today.
Has it been a while since your last eye exam? Click here to find an appointment time that fits your schedule.
Reason #1: An Eye Exam Assesses All Aspects of Vision
Sports require various types of vision, including forward vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision, says Amanda Van Daalen, O.D., an optometrist with America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses in Coralville, Iowa. These are all elements of vision that will be looked at in an eye exam for kids.
While vision can be corrected or improved with a prescription for glasses or contacts, other elements, such as depth perception, may require additional steps. For instance, depth perception can be treated with vision therapy, which is similar to physical therapy for the eye muscles, explains Dr. Van Daalen. The exercises prescribed help strengthen the eye muscles.
Eye exams can also reveal eye infections and conditions before you or your child notice any symptoms.
Reason #2: Eye Injuries Are Common in Sports
Whether it’s a ball flying in the air or a finger to the eye, eye injuries happen. But they can be serious. In fact, eye injuries are the leading cause of blindness in children in the United States.
Most of these injuries happen — you guessed it — while the kids are playing sports, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI).
NEI research shows that the most common eye injuries include corneal abrasion (a scratch on the cornea, the transparent covering on your eye), conjunctivitis (pink eye), and debris getting stuck in the eye.
Basketball, baseball, and softball in kids over age 10 were the sports most associated with eye injuries, according to a 2018 study in the journal Pediatrics.
A preseason eye exam is the perfect opportunity to talk about protective eyewear that youngsters may need to keep their eyes safe while enjoying their sport, according to the NEI. Unfortunately, contacts and glasses are not considered protective eyewear. They may need something extra, such as helmets with eye coverings or sports goggles.
Many sports, like gymnastics and track and field, come with a low risk of eye injury and don’t require protective eyewear. But it may be important for other sports. Talking to your optometrist can help get them set up to protect their eyes while they’re out on the field or court.
Bonus: Your child may be more inclined to wear protective eye gear when they hear a doctor explain why it’s needed.
Reason #3: You Can Open the Discussion About Glasses Versus Contacts
If your child wears glasses, you may consider switching to contacts, depending on the sport.
For example, contact sports might knock glasses off, helmets may not fit properly over glasses, or the lens may get foggy and sweaty, says Dr. Van Daalen. “I hear from some parents whose kids take off their glasses to play their sport, but parents wind up bringing them in because it’s affecting their game or sporting ability,” she explains.
In other words, to play their best, they need to see well.
Contacts may be an option for your child. “Depending on how old the kids are, some may do better with contacts, if parents are willing to make the switch,” she says. Dr. Van Daalen adds that there is not a specific age minimum for making the move from glasses to contacts. “I leave it up to the parent. If they think their child is able to handle that responsibility, I’m willing to help get them set up with contacts,” she says.
Switching to contact lenses means your child can wear a pair of nonprescription sports goggles for protection during the game.
Recommended reading: The Pros and Cons of Contact Lenses for Kids Who Play Sports
Reason #4: You Can Consider Sports Goggles
Contact lenses aren’t for everyone. If contacts are not the best option for your child, they may want to pick out prescription sports goggles. They have strong polycarbonate lenses, which are secured around the head with a band for a tighter fit during play, says Dr. Van Daalen. Plus, all kids ages 13 and younger are upgraded to polycarbonate lenses at no charge.
Eye protection is important, especially during sports. Your optometrist can help you decide which options are right for your child.
Medically reviewed by Amanda Van Daalen, O.D.
See our sources:
Sports eye safety tips: National Eye Institute
Sports-related eye injuries: Pediatrics
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