$Unique_ID{BRK00272}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Why Don't You Recommend Goggles for All Sports?}
$Subject{goggles sports safety eyes Accidents accident risk eye injury
injuries racquetball ice hockey baseball tennis risks}
$Volume{O-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Why Don't You Recommend Goggles for All Sports?


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QUESTION:  You recommend wearing goggles for racquetball but not for all
sports.  Why?

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ANSWER:  Not all sports carry the same risk of eye injury.  In racquetball,
which is played in a small room with a ball going fast, there is a good chance
a player will get hit in the eye with the ball or the other player's racket.
     A study of sports eye injuries done in the Canadian province of Quebec
found that ice hockey, which is wildly popular in Canada, was the leading
cause of such injuries, with baseball and tennis running about even in second
place.  (In the United States, baseball accounts for the most sports eye
injuries because it is widely played.)  The study notes that in the sports
where eye protection is mandatory, notably racquetball, the rate of eye
injuries has gone down.
     Although different sports have different risks of eye injuries, if you
own sports goggles, wear them whenever you play, no matter what the game.  Why
let them gather dust when they could be protecting you?

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.