What Has and Could be Done to Decrease Sports Related Eye Injuries

Eye injuries are the leading cause of loss of vision in one eye, second in two eyes. Twenty seven percent of those injuries occur during sports and increases to 40% in children ages 11-14. The Coalition To Prevent Sports Eye Injuries was created to substantially reduce the number of avoidable eye injuries that occur in today's sports and recreational environment. This mission will be achieved through the implementation of proactive programs targeting the education of eye care professionals, organized sports organizations, government agencies, parents and participants with regards to both the risks of sport-related eye injury as well as effective measures of prevention. The Coalition has developed a website, created a network of Coalition approved Sports Eye Injury Prevention Centers, hosted a meeting with the Nation Eye Institute, has developed materials for eye care practitioners, and has had a policy statement approved by the American Public Health Association. It was also instrumental in the passage of legislation to mandate sports protective eyewear. This presentation will discuss what the Coalition has done and plans to do to decrease the needless loss of sight that occurs during sports.