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Rockyview Health Centre, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW Building #1 Suite 423, Calgary, AB T2V 4R6, Canada
587-353-5061 Book Appointment

Published in Calgary’s Child Magazine: Essential Gear for Vision Safety

essential-gear-for-vision-safety

Vision plays a critical role in sports and should not be jeopardized to eye injuries. Statistics show that more than 70 per cent of eye injuries occur in people under the age of 25 years of which 40 per cent occur in people under the age of 15 years and 8 per cent occur in children under the age of 5 years. Hockey accounts for 27 per cent of all sporting injuries among Canadian children. As an optometrist, I work with athletes and believe parents play an active role in encouraging their children to wear eye protection.

Sports eyewear is essential gear, as the right eyewear can improve your child’s performance and protect their eyes by reducing the risk of eye injuries by 90 per cent. Wearing eye protection is mandatory for children with amblyopia (lazy eye), previous eye injuries or trauma in order to protect the vision in the clearer seeing eye.

Choosing not to wear protective eyewear has been shown to increase the risk of serious vision loss. So is it worth the risk? NHL player Steve Yzerman stated the following after experiencing an eye injury during the 2003 to 2004 playoff season: “Sitting in the hospital that night, I really wished I’d been wearing a visor. I played 21 years and never had an eye injury… The first thing that went through my mind was, ‘I don’t want to lose my eyesight.’ I really believe guys should be wearing them. I didn’t say that a week ago.”

The right protective eyewear  for your sport

The sport your child plays makes a huge difference in the type of eye protection needed.

Hockey, baseball and racquet sports (racquetball, squash, tennis, badminton) – Sturdy eye protection is needed that is able to withstand the force of a ball, stick, puck or racquet hitting the eye that travels at speeds up to 100 kilometres per hour.
Basketball – Eyewear that will protect your eyes from other players’ fingers and elbows.

Swimming – Chlorine affecting the front surface of the eye.

Outdoor sports – Damage from UV rays.

Types of protective eyewear include: facemasks, visors, goggles, shields, sunglasses and scuba masks.
It is important to note that the glasses your child wears on a daily basis do not provide adequate protection against sporting injuries.

Goggles are a great device for protecting the eyes in sports that have a high risk of eye injuries from a fast-moving ball or racket. They can be worn for basketball, racquet sports, soccer, field hockey, skiing, snowboarding, surfing and swimming. Goggles should fit snugly and they can be made with a glasses prescription. Polycarbonate lenses are impact-resistant (10 times stronger than typical plastics), thin and lightweight, and strongly encouraged for children. The elastic band keeps them in place and prevents them from sliding off your child’s head.

If your child wears goggles outdoors, make sure they provide 100 per cent protection from both UVA and UVB. Some goggles have an anti-fogging feature, which helps keep lenses clear especially when skiing.

For swim goggles in particular, make sure they form a good seal around the eye in order to avoid pool chemicals and/or bacteria from getting into your child’s eyes. This is especially important if your child wears contact lenses as bacteria can adhere to the lenses increasing your child’s risk of eye infections.

Face masks, visors and shields are a great way to protect your child’s eyes. In 1980, Hockey Canada was the first league to make face protection certified by the Canadian Standard Association (CSA) a mandatory requirement for all of its registered players. Protective eyewear includes polycarbonate visors attached to a helmet. Parents should inspect their child’s plastic mask, visor or shield for scratches, cracks or broken wires that may compromise vision and weaken the structure of the device. CSA certification assures better protection and peripheral vision. I recommend children should practice wearing their new face protector with the helmet before using it in a game by watching television with it on to get used to seeing through the mask.

Sunglasses are crucial for children playing outdoors. Sunglasses with UV protection are available with or without prescription lenses and should be worn even on overcast days. If your child plays a sport that does not involve balls, pucks or rackets, sport sunglasses will usually provide adequate protection. Polarized lenses reduce glare and reflected light from water, snow, sand and other surfaces while providing 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection. Sunglasses also help shield your child’s eyes from dust and other small particles when outdoors. 

Your optometrist can suggest the best type of sunglasses for your child as they can benefit from a frame designed specifically for the sport your child plays. A wraparound style for bicycling can protect the eyes from wind and debris while providing great sun protection all around the eyes. Photochromic lenses are another great option. They darken automatically in bright sunlight and adjust in response to varying levels of UV rays and are strongly recommended if your child currently wears glasses.

Eye injuries and treatment

Various injuries can occur with sports and correct treatment following an eye injury can prevent vision loss. Alberta Health Care covers medical emergencies for all age groups when seen by your optometrist.

The injuries listed below should be seen by your optometrist immediately:


Specks in the eye – If a particle enters the eye, never rub the eye. Try to lift the eyelid to locate the particle or blink a few times and let the eye move the particle out. If the speck remains, keep the eye closed and see your optometrist immediately.

Blows to the eye – Apply an ice cold compress immediately for about 15 minutes to reduce pain and prevent swelling. A black eye and/or blurred vision should be seen by your optometrist immediately.

Cuts of the eye and lid – Lightly bandage the eye without applying pressure and see your optometrist immediately. In this case, do not wash or rub the eye or try to remove any particles.

Chemical burns – Flush the eye with water immediately for 15 minutes. Roll the eyeball around as much as possible. Do not bandage the eye. See your optometrist immediately.

Sporting eyewear can prevent injuries. Is your vision worth the risk? The key to maintaining good vision is prevention. Remember, safety first!

Dr. Farrah Sunderji, OD, completed her Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry followed by a residency in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. Her practice, EyedeologyTM, is located at #245, 520 – 3 Avenue SW. 

Calgarys Child Magazine MayJune 2014

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Supporting Ocular Surface Healing and Comfort

The membrane contains natural growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. When placed over the cornea, it acts as a protective layer that supports healing and may help reduce inflammation.

Potential Benefits

  • Supports Healing: Helps promote natural healing of the eye’s surface.
  • Reduces Inflammation: Its natural properties may help calm inflammation.
  • Improves Comfort: May help relieve discomfort related to dry eye.
  • Supports Recovery: Helps support the healing of the ocular surface.

Who May Benefit?

Amniotic Membrane Therapy may be suitable for people with moderate to severe dry eye, particularly when conventional treatments have not provided enough relief. An eye care professional can assess your eyes and determine if this treatment is appropriate.

How Does It Work?

The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta and contains growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. During treatment, a specially prepared membrane is placed over the eye’s surface to act as a biological covering and support healing.

What to Expect

Before treatment, your optometrist will examine your eyes and determine whether Amniotic Membrane Therapy is suitable for you.

  • Before Treatment: The eye is numbed with topical anesthetic drops, and the area is prepared.
  • Membrane Placement: The preserved and sterilized membrane is placed over the cornea.
  • After Placement: A special contact lens may be used to hold the membrane in place.
  • Post-Treatment Care: Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops may be prescribed when needed.
  • Follow-Up: Regular visits help monitor healing and the membrane’s absorption or integration.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort, a foreign body sensation, or temporary blurred vision after treatment. Improvement in symptoms may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual.

Understanding Dry Eye and Your Treatment Options

Dry eye can develop for several reasons, and understanding the underlying cause is an important part of managing symptoms. Our team can assess your eyes and help develop a management plan based on your individual needs.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can affect both eyes and may cause different symptoms, including:

  • Stinging or Burning – A burning, stinging, or gritty feeling in the eyes.
  • Eye Redness – Red or irritated eyes.
  • Light Sensitivity – Increased sensitivity to light.
  • Excessive Watering – Eyes that water more than usual.
  • Blurred Vision or Eye Fatigue – Blurry vision or tired, strained eyes.
  • Foreign Body Sensation – A feeling that something is in your eye.

What Causes Dry Eye?

A healthy tear film has several components that work together to keep the surface of the eye comfortable and protected. Dry eye can occur when tear production decreases or when tears evaporate too quickly.

Several factors may contribute to dry eye, including:

  • Aging
  • Allergies
  • Hormonal changes
  • Eyelid problems
  • Gland dysfunction
  • Certain health conditions
  • Living in a dry climate
  • Extended screen time

One common factor is blockage of the Meibomian glands, which produce the lipid layer of the tear film. When these glands are not functioning properly, tear evaporation can increase and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

A Personalized Approach to Dry Eye Management

Managing dry eye involves more than simply using eye drops. Our team can help develop a personalized plan that may include targeted in-office treatments, nutritional guidance, and home care based on your needs. 

Home care may include:

  • Warm Compresses: Used as part of a regular eye-care routine.
  • Lid Hygiene: Keeping the eyelids and surrounding area clean.
  • Artificial Tears: May be recommended to help manage dryness and discomfort.

In-Office Treatment Options

For patients with more severe dry eye symptoms, targeted in-office treatments may be considered. Available options include:

  • Radiofrequency
  • Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
  • LipiFlow Therapy

These treatments may be used as part of dry eye management for symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, and irritation. The appropriate approach depends on the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms.

Managing Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye can have several contributing factors, so treatment is not the same for everyone. A thorough assessment can help identify factors affecting your tear film and determine which management options may be appropriate.

If you are experiencing persistent dryness, irritation, redness, light sensitivity, or other symptoms, speak with our eye care team about your dry eye management options.

Deep Cleansing for Healthier Eyelids and Lashes

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-office eyelid cleaning and debridement treatment developed by Zocular®. It is designed to clean the eyelids and lashes while helping address concerns associated with dry eye, blepharitis, and demodex.

The treatment uses a natural, okra-based gel to remove oil, debris, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes. By improving eyelid hygiene, ZEST can help reduce the buildup that may contribute to irritation and inflammation around the eyes.

What Is ZEST?

ZEST works like a deep cleansing treatment for the eyelids and lashes. During the procedure, the okra-based gel is applied along the eyelid margins and lashes using a cotton swab. The gel is gently worked into a lather using circular motions before being rinsed away with saline solution.
The gel contains a refined extract of okra, an edible green seed pod. According to the provided product information, okra helps lift and clear oil, debris, and residue while being gentle around the eye area.

How Can ZEST Help?

Keeping the eyelids, eyelid margins, and lashes clean is an important part of eye hygiene. Buildup along the eyelid edges can contribute to symptoms such as itching, burning, gritty sensations, redness, and irritation.

ZEST is designed to address this buildup through thorough cleansing and debridement.

  • Removes Debris: Helps clear dirt, oil, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes.
  • Supports Eyelid Hygiene: Provides a deeper cleansing treatment than routine eyelid cleaning.
    Addresses Demodex: The treatment is designed to help remove demodex mites and associated debris.
  • Helps Reduce Inflammation: Cleansing the eyelid area may help address buildup associated with irritation and inflammation.
  • Supports Dry Eye Care: ZEST may help relieve symptoms associated with dry eye and poor eyelid hygiene.

ZEST for Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and Demodex

Dry eye and blepharitis can be associated with inadequate eyelid hygiene. Debris along the eyelid margins can enter the tear film with blinking, potentially contributing to redness and irritation.

Demodex mites can also be present in the hair follicles around the eyelashes. According to the provided information, they may contribute to inflammation and dry eye symptoms by blocking the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.

ZEST provides targeted cleansing of the eyelid margins and lashes to help remove this buildup and address demodex-related concerns.

A Simple In-Office Treatment

The ZEST procedure is performed in the office and involves applying the cleansing gel to the eyelid margins and lashes, working it into a lather, and then rinsing the area with saline solution. The treatment is designed to provide thorough eyelid and lash cleansing without requiring a lengthy procedure.

Is ZEST Right for You?

ZEST may be considered for patients experiencing symptoms associated with dry eye, blepharitis, demodex, or eyelid debris. An eye care professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether ZEST is appropriate for your eye care needs.
587-317-2134