Children's Eye Injuries Peak in Summer, Expert Says | WPN World People News

Swimming pools are a major reason why children's eye injuries increase in the summer, according to an expert.

Eye injuries among youngsters start to rise in May and June before peaking in July. They then fall off in September after school begins, according to Gerald McGwin Jr., a professor in the epidemiology and ophthalmology departments at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

"Overall, the leading cause of eye injury in children 15 and younger is sports, specifically swimming," he said in a university news release.

Pool chemicals, which can cause eye irritation, are a common cause of eye injuries.

"Ensuring that a pool's pH level is within normal range is one way to reduce these injuries," McGwin said. "Goggles and swim masks are another way by providing a barrier between eyes and water."

Other causes of pool-related eye injuries include being hit by water toys or by elbows and feet.

Household chemicals and cleaners are another cause for concern and account for 30 percent of eye injuries suffered by children younger than age 2. "The obvious solution for parents and caregivers is to keep dangerous chemicals and substances locked up or out of the reach of children at all times," McGwin said.

Other ways to reduce eye injuries include having children of all ages wear eye protection when playing sports and keeping children away from sparklers, firecrackers or any other types of fireworks.

The good news is that the number of eye injuries among children 15 and younger in the United States is declining, McGwin said. Reported eye injuries fell from a high of more than 80,000 in 1992 to a low of about 50,000 in 2010.

Source: HealthDay News