Eye care specialists are reminding athletes and sports enthusiasts alike to protect their vision and avoid serious eye injuries.

 

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society says despite eye injuries being common, 38 per cent of Canadians say they rarely, or never, wear protective eyewear when participating in outdoor sports.

 

Ophthalmologist for the Calgary Flames Doctor Bryce Ford outlines the types of eye injuries people can get if they’re not careful.

 

"It can be everything from a black eye to a corneal abrasion, bleeding inside the eye or retinal detachment. There are a whole bunch of different injuries and if you do experience any of these injuries, it’s important that you seek eye care professional to look after them. If we can prevent them in the first place then that would be the ideal way of dealing with these eye injuries.”

 

Ford recommends that athletes get protective eyewear that’s made with polycarbonate, as the material is more effective in protecting against projectiles like balls and pucks.

 

Hear more information about Sports Eye Safety Month on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.