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Get ready to protect your eyes and stay in the game because April is Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month! This month-long observance was established by Prevent Blindness America in 1982 to raise awareness about the importance of eye safety while participating in sports. Did you know that every year, thousands of people suffer from eye injuries related to sports? But with proper precautions and gear, many of these injuries can be prevented. So let's celebrate this month by spreading awareness and taking care of our precious peepers while we play our favorite sports!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1963</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Sports Goggle Invention</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dr. Robert M. Levy creates and patents the first sports goggle to protect against eye injuries during sports activities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1976</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>PPE Standards for Sports</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) develops standards for personal protective equipment (PPE), including sports eyewear.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1982</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>Prevent Blindness America establishes April as Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month to increase public knowledge about eye injuries in sports.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Specialized Sports Eyewear</div><div class='timeline-text'>Companies begin to produce specialized protective eyewear for specific sports, enhancing the prevention of eye injuries in those activities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mandatory Eyewear in Women's Lacrosse</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Women's Lacrosse Association makes protective eyewear mandatory, setting a precedent in sports for eye safety considerations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Increased Awareness and Incidence Decline</div><div class='timeline-text'>Increased awareness and regulations result in a significant decline in sports-related eye injuries reported.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Get a Vision Check-up</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Schedule an eye exam during Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month. This is a great way to ensure your eyes are healthy and ready for all your favorite sports activities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Sports Eye Safety Event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize an event at your local community center or school to educate others about the importance of eye safety in sports. This can include presentations, demonstrations, and fun activities for people of all ages.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Promote Eye Protection Gear</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread awareness by wearing eye protection gear while participating in sports activities and encouraging others to do the same. You can also hand out flyers or stickers with important eye safety tips.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share Tips on Social Media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your social media platforms to share tips and facts about eye safety in sports. This is a great way to reach a larger audience and spread awareness about the importance of protecting our eyes while playing sports.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a Fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Host a fundraising event and donate the proceeds to organizations or charities that focus on promoting eye safety in sports. This is a great way to give back and support a cause that is important to you.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Protecting our eyes is crucial for overall well-being</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Our vision allows us to experience and enjoy the world around us. Therefore, taking measures to protect our eyes while engaging in sports activities is vital for maintaining good eye health and preventing long-term damage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Preventing sports-related eye injuries can save money and time</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Eye injuries from sports activities can result in costly medical bills and potential loss of work or school days. By promoting sports eye safety awareness, we can reduce the risk of these injuries and save both money and time in the long run.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Spread love and support to athletes with visual impairments</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Participating in sports can be challenging for individuals with visual impairments, but with proper precautions and accommodations, they can still enjoy playing. By raising awareness about sports eye safety, we can show support and inclusivity towards athletes of all abilities.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Protective Eyewear Significantly Lowers Risk of Eye Injury</h3><p class='facts-content'>Wearing protective eyewear that meets the standard set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) can prevent about 90% of serious eye injuries in sports.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Top Three Risky Sports for Eye Injury Differ for Children and Adults</h3><p class='facts-content'>For children aged 0-14, the top three sports resulting in eye injuries are basketball, baseball and airsoft. For those aged 15-24, basketball, baseball and cycling are the major culprits.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Specific Eyewear is Available for Different Sports</h3><p class='facts-content'>Sport-specific eyewear designed to suit the demands of various sports can offer better protection. For instance, squash players might wear goggles with elastic bands to ensure they stay on during play.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Wearing Regular Prescription Glasses is Not Enough</h3><p class='facts-content'>Regular prescription eyewear does not provide adequate protection against sports-related risks. Specific protective eyewear designed to fit over regular glasses or with prescription lenses is advised for people who need optical correction.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Annual Eye Examinations Play a Vital Role in Sports Eye Safety</h3><p class='facts-content'>Regular eye health check-ups not only ensure eye health but also can enhance athletic performance by correcting vision problems that can interfere with accuracy and coordination.</p></div></div>
Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month is celebrated on April 1 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Monday.
2023
Apr 1
Saturday
2024
Apr 1
Monday
2025
Apr 1
Tuesday
2026
Apr 1
Wednesday
2027
Apr 1
Thursday
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