There is More to Lose Than the Game

Eye injuries are the leading cause of blindness in children. Kids aged 11-14 experience the most eye injuries while playing sports.

The National Eye Institute reports that one-third of all sports-related injuries involve children. Baseball is the leading cause of sports eye injuries in children under 14. Basketball is the primary cause for 15-24 year olds.

The American Academy of Pediatrics found that boys aged 11-15 were up to five times more likely to sustain eye injuries requiring hospital treatment than girls of the same age. Most of these injuries are related to sports and projectiles, including toys, guns, darts, sticks, stones and air guns.

Not only do sports-related eye injuries have a serious impact on your vision …they seriously impact the economy, too! Such injuries account for more than 100,000 physician visits per year at the cost of more than $175 million.

There can be significant economic savings if eye injuries are prevented. Your Indiana eye doctor recommends prevention as the most cost-effective solution. Get this: The average cost of an eye injury to a child under 15 years old playing basketball is nearly $4,000! I’d say that’s worth preventing!

Vision is essential in your child’s development as an athlete. A thorough eye exam from Dr. Tavel can discover any pre-existing eye conditions that need to be addressed. Get your youngster prepared before they hit the field!