Safety Tips

Children are often prone to injury, and when something happens to their eyes it can have a lifelong impact on their vision. This is why it is incredibly important for parents to be aware of how to prevent injuries from occurring and how to respond promptly when something does go wrong. Simple household items such as rubber bands and shampoo have the potential to cause damage to a child’s eyes if contact is allowed, so following proper safety precautions is an important consideration for any parent.

At Pediatric Eye Care of Maryland, our team of pediatric ophthalmologists are able to handle any and all eye-related injuries and emergencies. We are open on evenings and weekends and can accommodate same-day appointments when needed. With 4 convenient locations in Baltimore, Westminster, and Clarksville, we will be there when your child needs us most. We are focused on providing a welcoming and friendly atmosphere where children feel comfortable, even when circumstances are less than ideal.

Sports-related eye injuries

While eye injuries can occur at any time and at any age, nearly 50% of all eye injuries are sports-related and most happen to children and teens, according to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. The most dangerous sports are those that involve balls which travel at high speeds, including tennis, lacrosse, volleyball, basketball, field hockey, water polo, hockey, baseball, racquetball, and golf. The best way to prevent sports-related eye injuries is by wearing eye protection. Protective eyewear can be crafted with both prescription or nonprescription lenses and sports frames will provide durable protection from injury.

Emergency treatment

In the case that your child experiences an eye emergency, prompt treatment is essential. If your child’s eyes have been exposed to a caustic chemical then irrigation should begin immediately. Flush your child’s eyes with clean, fresh water for at least 10-15 minutes to prevent any traces of the chemical from lingering. Be sure to follow up with a trip to your ophthalmologist or the emergency room.

If an object such as a plastic toy or fishhook has become embedded in the eye, never attempt to remove it yourself. Instead, rush your child to the nearest emergency medical facility so that a trained professional can assess the best course of action. If your child’s eye has been injured by a blunt or sharp object but it doesn’t seem to be an emergency, always follow up with a visit to their ophthalmologist to ensure that no underlying damage was caused.