Now that school athletics are back in full swing, doctors will see more kids in emergency rooms with eye injuries—most of which are preventable. As many as 90 percent of eye injuries to young athletes can be prevented by simply wearing safety eyewear.

Most eye injuries in school-age children are due to sports. Though many injuries are minor, like corneal abrasions, major ones can require surgery and even cause vision loss and permanent eye damage. In fact, eye injuries are the leading cause of blindness in children.

If your child is injured during a game or practice and experiences any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

• cuts or punctures
• redness, itching or irritation
• discharge or excessive tearing
• swelling of the eye or surrounding area
• deep pain or pain behind the eyes
• unexplained headaches
• floaters or flashes in the field of vision
• partial loss of vision

Interestingly, basketball and baseball cause the most eye injuries, followed by water and racquet sports. Additional high-risk sports—which feature a ball, puck, bat, stick, or racquet—include hockey, football, lacrosse, and fencing. The highest risk sports involve body contact, like boxing, wrestling, and contact martial arts.

The best way to protect your child’s eyes is by investing in protective eyewear. To learn more, ask your child’s doctor or optometrist for information.