MECHANICSBURG, Pa., Sept. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. eye experts say people can avoid sports-related eye injuries, or even vision loss, by taking some precautions.
Experts at The Pennsylvania Association for the Blind in Mechanicsburg say vision loss, a scratched cornea, or fractured eye sockets may be avoidable injuries.
The first step is to wear proper eye guards -- reading glasses, sunglasses or even safety glasses don't provide the necessary eye protection for many sports. Lensed polycarbonante protectors are suitable for racket sports, basketball, tennis or volleyball.
Use batting helmets with polycarbonate face shields for baseball and softball. For hockey players, look for helmets and shields approved by the U.S. Amateur Hockey Association, the experts advise.
The association suggest asking an expert familiar with the child's eyesight to fit the child properly. This may include making sure cushioning fits correctly along the eyebrow and the edge of the nose to help prevent cuts or other injury to the face.
