Sports Eye Safety & Performance Sherwood Park | Aspen Eye Care
Game On: Why Sports Eye Safety is Your Best Competitive Edge
September in Strathcona County is a whirlwind of activity. From the first puck drop at the Randy Rosen Rink to high school volleyball and soccer tournaments, our community is back in "game mode."
While parents are diligent about helmets, mouthguards, and pads, eye safety is often overlooked. However, sports are a leading cause of eye injuries in children and young adults. At Aspen Eye Care, we believe the best defense is a good offense—protecting your vision today ensures you’re in the game for years to come.
The Statistics You Need to Know
Every year, thousands of sports-related eye injuries occur, and nearly 90% of them are preventable with the right protective eyewear. Common injuries include:
Blunt Trauma: Being hit by a fast-moving ball, puck, or elbow, which can cause retinal detachment or orbital fractures.
Corneal Abrasions: Scratches on the eye’s surface, often from a stray finger during a basketball game.
Penetrating Injuries: Rare but serious injuries caused by broken spectacles or equipment.
Why "Regular" Glasses Aren't Enough
If your child wears everyday glasses, it is important to know that they are not designed for the impact of sports. In fact, regular frames can shatter upon impact, turning a minor collision into a major injury.
Sports Goggles are made from ultra-durable polycarbonate, a material 10 times more impact-resistant than standard plastic. They are designed to stay secure during movement and provide a wider field of peripheral vision.
Beyond Safety: The Performance Factor
Vision is about more than just seeing 20/20. For athletes, we look at Sports Vision Skills:
Depth Perception: Judging how far away that fly ball or defender really is.
Eye-Hand Coordination: The speed at which your brain processes visual info to trigger a physical response.
Peripheral Awareness: Seeing the teammate in the corner of your eye without turning your head.
If your child is "clumsy" on the field or struggling to track the ball, it might not be a lack of skill—it might be a visual processing issue.
Contact Lenses for Athletes
For many teen athletes in Sherwood Park, September is the month they transition into contact lenses. Contacts offer an unobstructed field of view, don't fog up under a hockey mask, and won't slip down your nose when you sweat. We offer specialized fittings to ensure the lenses are comfortable and stable even during the most intense play.
Ensure your athlete is ready for the season. Whether you need a sports vision assessment or a fitting for protective goggles, Aspen Eye Care is your home team for vision health.
