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Recently I saw
two patients with eye injuries. One may
lose his eye and become blind, and the
other is totally fine. They both got hit
in the eye with a tennis ball. T he
difference is that one had no protective
glasses on, and the other was wearing
protective glasses.
Tennis and racquetball are the leading
causes of severe ocular trauma.
People mistakenly believe that racket
sports (tennis and racquetball) are safe
compared to sports like football and
hockey.
People forget that the ball can travel at
a speed of almost 100 miles per hour. The
danger happens when the tennis ball or
racket ball hits perfectly into the eye
socket. The damage at impact is instant
and causes damage including total bleeding
or the loss of the eye and blindness.
The good news is that no one should stop
playing, because these injuries are
preventable. Protective eye-wear is
available that is made according to
industry standards and that helps people
prevent blindness.
First, people should not wear regular
street glasses while they are playing
racquetball or tennis. The lenses shatter
and dislocate, and the frames break and
collapse.
Polycarbonate lens material in appropriate
sports frames are available. Ask your
optician about his or her recommendations
for your specific needs.
Local sporting goods stores may also have
these products.
Finally, there is a national certification
consumers should look for. Everyone should
look for certified eye-wear. This will be
clearly marked with a PECC seal
(Protective Eye-wear Certification
Counsel).
Similar eye-wear certification was
recently required for organized hockey.
This policy resulted in the elimination of
blinding eye injuries to players. It was
felt that the 2 million certified
protectors actually saved almost 70,000
eye and facial injuries last year. This
saved $10 million dollars in medical
expenses, but more importantly, it
possibly saved 70,000 people from going
blind from an eye injury that was
preventable.
In summary, protect yourself, and wear
protective eye-wear with the PECC
certification. Do not leave them in your
glove compartment, gym bag or locker. Wear
them and prevent blindness! |
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Dr. Mark
Sibley
Dr. Mark
Sibley, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a Board
Certified Ophthalmologist and laser
specialist who practices locally. He is
medical advisor to the Society to Prevent
Blindness and to the American Diabetes
Association, and is team ophthalmologist
for the Devil Rays. |
