Don’t Be Blinded

Guard Your Gaze This April

From prescription sports glasses with UV protection to properly fitting eyewear, prioritizing eye safety can significantly reduce the likelihood of serious injuries that can impact one’s overall quality of life. April is designated as Sports Eye Safety Month, prompting us to assess our activities and ensure proper eye protection is utilized in sports and every day.

It is important to keep in mind that eye injuries are not confined to athletic activities; they can occur anytime and anywhere. About 40% of eye injuries happen at home, with a third occurring indoors. A significant portion of all injuries are sports-related, often due to the absence of proper eye protection. Retinal tears, hemorrhages under the retina, hemorrhaging in the front portion of the eye (hyphema), traumatic lens dislocations, and even cataract implants can be dislodged, leading to vision loss. The most severe of these injuries includes the rupture of the eye itself.

Bungee cords are particularly dangerous because we frequently align our upper face along the tension line of the bungee cord. If there is an unexpected recoiling from the clip coming loose it can cause severe eye trauma. The risk is real, even when playing pickleball. Protective measures are crucial across all sports to safeguard against various injuries.

Many are unaware that prescription sports glasses offering UV protection are readily available and affordable. Thousands of individuals suffer eye injuries annually, but 90% of sports-related incidents are preventable. Additionally, many eye injuries occur in familiar settings like homes, emphasizing the need for vigilance. Sunglasses are often overlooked as a protective measure, but they are particularly helpful while skiing, reducing the harmful effects of UV light on the cornea. Ensuring your eyewear shields your eyes and fits you correctly is the best way to meet eye safety standards. Neglecting this precaution could derail your career; don’t become a statistic!

One day during my residency in ophthalmology school, I was playing racquetball with a colleague, and I urged him to wear protective goggles. Initially, he resisted my request, but I clarified that I would no longer play against him if he did not wear proper goggles. After a safety discussion, he finally agreed and we were able to enjoy many intense racquetball matches.

Outside of organized sports, taking precautions is imperative during other outdoor activities like chopping wood, which I can speak of from personal experience. I will never forget when I chopped wood as a child and wood chips flew into my eye. It was a traumatic experience, and now I try to always have protective glasses on while chopping, or, at the very least if there are no protective glasses available, I close my eyes at the very last second. Since then, it has become a joke in my family that I chop wood with my eyes closed! I now use this as a silly joke, but it doubles as a reminder to protect your eyes no matter what.

By familiarizing yourself with potential risks and adhering to safety protocols, individuals can minimize the likelihood of eye injuries and ensure a future without vision impairment. Be safe and be happy!

Meet Dr. Scott - Your Dedicated Oculoplastic Surgeon

Renowned for his commitment to enhancing your eyelid and facial appearance while prioritizing your safety. Dr. Scott is board-certified in Ophthalmology and has specialized fellowship training in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.  With extensive training at prestigious institutions, including the Medical College of Virginia, Manhattan Eye, Ear, & Throat Hospital, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Dr. Scott brings a wealth of expertise to his craft. His accolades, including recognition as a Top Plastic Surgeon by Northern Virginia Magazine, underscore his dedication to excellence. Dr. Scott's passion lies in helping you achieve the best aesthetic results while safeguarding your eyesight.

Location: Fairfax - Northern Virginia

Areas of Expertise: Cosmetic laser eyelid surgery ( blepharoplasty ), ptosis surgery, treatment of benign and malignant eyelid cancers, correction of eyelid malposition – ectropion, entropion repair, and Botox and filler treatment.