How To Prevent Retinal Tears While Playing Sports

You can reduce your risk of retinal tears and other eye health problems by simply wearing protection over your eyes. While most of us recognize the benefits of wearing sunglasses to block UV rays or adding a blue light filter to prevent damage from prolonged digital screen time, it is equally important to think about how to protect your eyes while playing sports or other recreational activities. 

Ophthalmologists frequently treat sports-related eye injuries from children to professional athletes. The most common sports related injuries include abrasions and contusions, corneal lacerations, hemorrhages, orbital fracture, ruptured eyeball, cataracts, loss of an eye, hyphema and retinal detachment. However, 90% of sports-related eye injuries can be prevented with the use of protective eyewear such as safety goggles, shields, and eye guards. It is estimated that as many as 13,500 become legally blind from sports related injuries. 

Retinal tears while playing sports are caused by trauma to the eye from a blunt object, such as a finger, fist, ball, or some other fast-moving object. When an athlete experiences a retinal tear, they may experience a sudden onset of floaters or black spots in the affected eye. Flashes of light and a decrease to or loss of peripheral vision are also common side effects. Retinal tears can easily lead to retinal detachments which can significantly impair vision or even lead to vision loss, so it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention. If you are at a higher risk of developing a retinal tear due already having a retinal condition such as lattice degeneration, high myopia or posterior vitreous detachment, you should take extra precaution by wearing protective eyewear and by asking a doctor for clearance before engaging in sports. 

For a comprehensive eye exam to ensure the health of your retina before joining a sports team or other recreational activity that may increase risk that would affect your vision, call Associated Retina Consultants at 602-242-4928 or schedule conveniently online at WEBSITE.