Vision & Voice
“
“The best way to protect your
eyes and prevent a sports-related
eye injury is to wear sport-
specific protective eyewear that
fits properly. During the winter
months, this can be anything
from sports goggles to sunglasses
with ultraviolet protection since
the sun’s harmful UV rays are
always present.”
Justin Bazan,
Optometrist and medical adviser
to The Vision Council.
What advice can ECPs share
with their patients about
protecting their eyes during
winter sports?
“Keep your eyes safe while playing sports this winter. If you wear a helmet
for sports like hockey, make sure it has a CSA-approved visor. Wearing
goggles (as well as a helmet) when you’re skiing and snowboarding
can help shield your eyes from both falls and sun damage. And if you
wear glasses, but they don’t fit under your helmet or goggles, see your
optometrist to talk about sports-specific glasses frames or contact lenses.”
Dr. Kristine Dalton, Optometrist and Associate Professor,
University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science
“Up to 80 per cent of UV comes
through on a cloudy day and
up to 80 per cent of that UV is
reflected off of snow. That means
you can actually have more
UV damage in winter than you
would have sitting on a beach!
So remember these tips: First,
always wear sunglasses even on
a cloudy day. Look for UV 400
and ask your optometrist for
UV-protected contact lenses.
This is the international standard
recommended by WHO. Second,
always wear goggles when skiing.
This allows for better coverage
from UV and wind that can
irritate the eyes. And finally, wear
“Protecting your eyes doesn’t mean compromising exceptional
taste in style. Some of the new reworked takes on “glacier
goggles” with side shields of plastic or leather, often removable,
will leave clients looking for any excuse to wear them. Technology
has allowed for exceptional options for lenses to ensure that you
see your best no matter what Mother Nature throws at you while
a helmet. Protect your ocular
health against sports injuries.
This will not only protect your
eyes against objects, but also
your ocular-neurological system
against concussions.”
braving the outdoors.”
Doug Gaudet, Licensed Nova Scotia optician.
8 Optical Prism | November 2019
Dr. Ritesh Patel,
Ontario Association of Optometrists.