Page 121 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition July-August 2024
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ball can easily hit the eye, causing serious injury. (inflammation of the coloured part of the eye) or
In baseball, a misjudged catch or a fastball that hyphema (bleeding in the front part of the eye)
goes awry can lead to blunt force trauma. Sports can develop from direct hits to the eye, requiring
like racquetball and tennis pose risks with high- extended recovery periods and possibly even
speed balls that can strike the face. surgery. In some cases, repeated trauma can
result in permanent damage, affecting an
In fact, according to the American Academy
of Ophthalmology, sports-related injuries athlete’s career and quality of life.
account for more than 40,000 eye injuries Additionally, the psychological impact of an
annually in the United States alone. This statistic eye injury can be profound. Fear of re-injury
highlights the high risk athletes face and might cause athletes to play more cautiously,
underscores the need for proper eye protection. affecting their overall performance. The
It's not just professional athletes who are at risk confidence and fearlessness required to excel
— amateur and youth sports players are equally in sports can be compromised if an athlete is
susceptible to these types of injuries. constantly worried about getting hurt again.
IMPACT ON ATHLETES' PERFORMANCE HOW SPORTS GLASSES WORK
An eye injury doesn't just hurt; it can Sports glasses aren’t just regular glasses.
seriously hinder your performance. Blurry vision, They are designed with specific materials and
discomfort, and longer recovery times can keep features to ensure maximum protection and
you off the field. Imagine being a soccer player comfort. Understanding how they work can help
who suddenly finds it difficult to judge the you appreciate their importance and make an
distance to the ball or a basketball player whose informed choice when selecting the right pair
depth perception is compromised. These vision for your needs.
problems can significantly affect an athlete’s
ability to perform. MATERIALS USED IN SPORTS GLASSES
Moreover, eye injuries can lead to long-term High-impact resistant materials are at the
consequences. Conditions like traumatic iritis heart of sports glasses, and polycarbonate is the
most commonly used material. Polycarbonate
lenses are exceptionally durable, lightweight,
and shatterproof, making them ideal for high-
impact sports. Unlike regular glass or plastic
lenses, polycarbonate lenses can withstand
significant force without cracking or breaking,
which is crucial in preventing eye injuries.
In addition to polycarbonate, some sports
glasses may use Trivex material, which offers
similar benefits but with enhanced optical
clarity. Both materials provide excellent
protection from UV rays, safeguarding your eyes
from harmful sunlight during outdoor activities.
This UV protection is particularly important
in sports like skiing, snowboarding, or cycling,
where prolonged exposure to sunlight can
damage your eyes.
Frames of sports glasses are also made from
robust, flexible materials like nylon or rubber
composites. These materials ensure that the
frames can absorb impact without breaking and
SPORTS VISION THE INDIAN OPTICIAN | JULY-AUGUST 2024 | 117
