What can a parent do to keep their child's eye safe??

Are you aware that annual statistics show that sports-related eye injuries account for 40,000 trips to the hospital? That's one injury every 13 minutes! Eye Care professionals report that most of the injuries would have been easily prevented by wearing protective eyewear. More often than not eye damaging accidents take place when playing recreational activities or doing work around the house. Kids are especially vulnerable to accidents involving eye damage, which often happen during active play.So the remedy is safety glasses and they don't have to be some dreaded ugly glasses that make your child look like they are from another planet. Safety glasses come in school colors, all clear, can also include fashion sun wear with the correct protective lens material and tint. Don't forget the age old accessory the sport band that keeps the glasses attached and in place in contact sports. A popular brand of sport elastic band is Croakies offering the original band to color cords and floating cord options. Every household should have plano safety goggles available if outdoor work is done to protect the eyes from projectiles that can result from activities that may seem benign such as simple grass clipping to the more dangerous weed whacking. This summer don't forget the swim goggles either and if you have a swimmer in the family swim goggles can be made in prescription too.

Being strong about ensuring your kids use protective glasses during contact sports will protect them from potential eye damage. A good idea is to lead by example by purchasing a pair of new wraparound safety glasses for yourself that you use when involved in contact sports or working with power tools. Insist your children follow your example. In addition, let your kids select safety glasses in the style they prefer. Safety also involves consideration of sun protection when outdoors to prevent not only damaging UV rays from harming the eyes and creating eye sun burns but also enhances performance by promoting a higher degrees of clarity and less hesitation that is produced with glare.

To ensure you choose a pair with the right fit and the proper amount of safety, ask an experienced eye care professional for recommendations. Our professionals can help you in purchasing the right pair of glasses for your child, based on your child's particular needs. If your child has glasses, safety glasses can be customized with prescription lenses from your eye care center. Trivex or polylcarbonate lenses are recommended for a child that plays contact sports such as football. They are not only more shatter-proof, they are also lighter than plastic lenses, offering greater comfort.

Don't skimp when purchasing safety eyewear. It's a simple step to guard your child's eyes!