Prevent Blindness names September as sports eye safety awareness month

Chicago-Prevent Blindness has declared September as Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month in order to help educate the public on the importance of proper eye protection while playing sports.

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Sports-related eye injuries can range from corneal abrasions, inflamed iris, fracture of the eye socket, swollen or detached retinas, or even a traumatic cataract. And in some cases, a significant eye injury can cause permanent vision loss. For individuals with vision issues, especially those who can only see clearly or have limited vision through one eye, proper eye protection is even more essential.

“By taking the simple step of consistently wearing the proper eye protection today, we can help protect our vision for a lifetime,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “Today, there are different styles to choose from for any sport, including some that offer UV protection. We encourage everyone to consult their eyecare professional for the best advice on how to protect their eyes from injury.”

Prevent Blindness has once again joined with The Coalition to Prevent Sports Eye Injuries and Liberty Sport to provide eye care professionals with free information and materials through the “September is Sports Eye Injury Prevention Awareness Month” campaign.