Top 5 most interesting dinosaur teeth

05/17/2023 read Children's Oral Health

In honor of Dinosaur Day in June, we’re highlighting some of the most interesting dinosaur teeth. Learn about some of the most fascinating variations!

Millions of years ago, dinosaurs ruled the earth. It’s estimated that there were up to 700 different species in the ancient world. This left room for a lot of different types of teeth. Just like animals today, dinosaurs had teeth that were perfect for their specific needs, whether it was tearing open prey or grinding leaves. In honor of Dinosaur Day in June, we would like to highlight some of the most interesting dinosaur teeth.

Types of dinosaur teeth

Dinosaur teeth came in all different shapes and sizes. Let’s find out more about the teeth of some of the most popular dinosaurs.

Tyrannosaurus rex

Also known as the T-rex, this dinosaur is famous for being a top predator roaming the earth during the Late Cretaceous period. One of the reasons for this is due to their large bodies and sharp teeth. These carnivores had 60 serrated teeth that were roughly eight inches long, so you can only imagine what they did to their prey.

Triceratops

The triceratops is one of the most visually iconic dinosaurs ever discovered thanks to the three giant horns sticking out of its head. However, we think its teeth were even more fascinating. Triceratops had roughly 800 teeth, with new ones constantly growing throughout their life. Having that many teeth is hard to imagine, but triceratops’ teeth grew in “batteries of 36 to 40 tooth columns with each column having three to five teeth vertically stacked on one another.” When their teeth would get worn down, these herbivores would simply produce more to replace them.

Stegosaurus

One of the most fascinating dinosaurs, the stegosaurus is known for the dual rows of plates protruding from its back. The stegosaurus is also believed to have been able to fend off predators, like an allosaurus, with its strong, spiked tail. Their dinosaur teeth were “a series of rounded, minutely-ridged teeth arranged in straight rows from front to back,” and were only a centimeter big. Despite being roughly the size of a bus and weighing almost 14,000 pounds, the creature had to feed on smaller and softer plants due to its weak jaws.

Brachiosaurus

The last dinosaur we’re featuring is the brachiosaurus. These prehistoric animals were giant and had extremely long necks, similar to a giraffe. Paleontologists believe the brachiosaurus had thick jaw bones and up to 52 spoon-shaped teeth which allowed them to feed on vegetation like coniferous trees. It’s crazy to think that these monstrous dinosaurs only ate plants, but it’s believed they traveled around in herds and used their teeth to swallow vegetation whole.

Megalodon

Although often considered a dinosaur, the megalodon didn’t coexist with those other ancient creatures. It was alive nearly 40 million years later.

The megalodon was a massive fish that weighed as much as 30 large great white sharks. These giants grew to be 40 to 60 feet long and their teeth reflect how large these apex predators were. Megalodon teeth were sharp, about the size of a banana, and have been discovered all around the world.

Celebrating dinosaur teeth for Dinosaur Day

Each dinosaur that existed had some variation of dinosaur teeth specifically suited for their dietary needs. This is why we think dinosaur teeth are so fascinating! In today’s world, many modern animals use teeth that have similarly evolved for their needs. Teeth are truly amazing!

Looking for more fun animal oral health facts? Check out this blog on the importance of keeping your pup’s mouth healthy.

What vision correction option is right for you?

05/17/2023 read Vision Benefits

Not sure about your options to get back to 20/20 status? Whether it’s lasers, contacts, or glasses, we’ve got a breakdown of the best ways to correct your vision.

Did you know that 75% of adults in the United States use some form of vision correction? These days, when it comes to fixing your eyesight, there are many options available. There’s no need to let poor vision go unchecked.

The most common vision correction options include contact lenses, glasses, and refractive and laser surgeries. If you aren’t sure which option may be best for you, keep reading for information on each.

Vision correction options

Glasses

The most traditional way to correct poor eyesight is eyeglasses. Glasses are an effective and fashionable means to see better. When buying glasses, both frames and prescription lenses must be purchased—unless you’re replacing older lenses with newer ones in a sturdy frame. Glasses can come in many shapes and forms, and the lenses can help with a number of vision problems.

Contact lenses

When people think of contacts, they usually think of the soft lens that slips over the eye. That’s one type. There are also hard lenses, known as rigid gas-permeable lenses. Both options help with vision correction, and just like glasses, there’s a variety of contacts to choose from.

Refractive and laser surgery

As the name implies, refractive surgery is for correcting refractive vision issues—although in a more permanent way than regular contacts or glasses. This means using lasers to reshape the cornea to allow for more light to enter the eye. When you hear people talk about LASIK surgery, this is what they’re referencing. There are different types of refractive surgeries, like LASIK (short for laser in-situ keratomileusis) and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy).

Surgical implants and replacements

There are additional types of surgery to fix vision issues. These involve changing parts of the eye or adding new components to correct vision problems. These surgeries include refractive lens exchange (RLE), presbyopic lens exchange (PRELEX), intracorneal ring segments (Intacs or ICR), Phakic intraocular lens implants, and astigmatic keratotomy (LRI).

Before considering which vision correction option is best for you, consult your eye doctor to identify what problem or problems you may be experiencing.

Just as you visit the dentist to practice preventive care, it’s equally important that you take regular trips to the eye doctor to ensure the health of your eyes — this means maintaining an annual vision exam.

Vision insurance helps maintain eye health

If you’re looking for vision coverage, DeltaVision® makes it easy to care for your vision, find an eye doctor, and make an appointment. We partner with popular providers like LensCrafters® and Target Optical℠, in addition to many smaller, independent doctors. These retailers offer conveniences such as multiple locations and extended hours to help members get the service they need, when they need it.

Click here to learn more about our vision coverage.

How to keep your tongue healthy

05/17/2023 read Adult Oral Health

The tongue is an amazing organ that helps you taste, talk, and start digesting food. Are you taking care of it? Find out the best ways to keep your tongue healthy and clean.

Exercise and good nutrition keep your body healthy. Brushing and flossing keep your teeth healthy. What about the health of your tongue? Believe it or not, your tongue’s health is also important to your oral health.

Why is your tongue important?

Like other essential body parts, the tongue is considered a sensory and digestive organ equipped with several functions. Beyond just being the accessory of a silly or sassy gesture, your tongue helps you to:

Eat and drink: The tongue allows you to consume foods and liquids by moving them to either your teeth to chew or the back of your throat to swallow.
Taste: Small bumps known as papillae and taste buds occupy the dorsal mucosal surface, allowing you to taste.
Digest: By moving food from the mouth to the pharynx, the tongue is the first step in the digestion process.
Speak: Due to its agility and flexibility, the tongue works with the lips and teeth to produce “more than 90 words per minute.”
Clean: The tongue also helps keep your mouth clean by sweeping the internal surface and pushing debris to the throat.

How to care for your tongue

Maintaining proper tongue health is just as important as caring for any other part of your body.

Did you know that your tongue is covered in bacteria? The tongue contains just as much bacteria as our teeth, making it a part of the mouth that should be cared for daily. However, unlike your teeth, an unwashed tongue does not put you at risk of cavities. It can lead to chronic bad breath, oral thrush, dulled taste buds, and even periodontal disease.

Although your tongue can self-clean, it’s essential to take these extra steps to keep it fresh and healthy:

Brush regularly: Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential for tongue health and overall good oral hygiene. Don’t neglect your tongue when brushing, as it could lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease. When brushing your tongue, start by placing the brush at the back of your tongue and lightly moving the toothbrush back and forth in a brushing motion.
Rinse thoroughly: After cleaning your tongue, take a sip of water and swish it around your mouth to rinse away any remaining bacteria left over from cleaning.
Drink water: We know that drinking water regularly is essential to keeping your body functioning. Drinking water also helps keep your tongue healthy and clean by moving any food or debris particles into the digestive system.
Try a tongue scraper: Although not a necessary step in your oral care routine, many people enjoy using tongue scrapers to remove mucus on the top of the tongue. Start by placing the tongue scraper at the back of the tongue and gently pulling forward. It’s important to use enough pressure to successfully remove any build-up but not to push so hard that your tongue begins to feel sore.

Periodontal (gum) disease: The silent health assassin

05/17/2023 read Adult Oral Health

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can be affecting more than your mouth. Learn more about the negative side effects gum disease can have on your entire body.

In the past, many people separated the health of their mouths from the health of their bodies. Luckily, today there is a better understanding of the connection between the two. You cannot have a healthy body with an unhealthy mouth, particularly when it comes to certain oral health diseases.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one example of an oral health problem that can affect the whole body. Think of it as a silent health assassin. Without regular checkups at a dentist, you may not even know you have periodontal disease, especially because it is often considered a painless condition until it worsens.

Catching and treating gum disease early is important for your entire body. Keep reading to find out how this disease can be silently attacking your overall health.

Gum disease and overall health problems

Gum disease has been linked to many serious types of medical conditions that can severely impact your overall health.

Gum disease and diabetes

People who have diabetes are at a much higher risk of developing gum disease compared to those who do not have diabetes. This may be because diabetics typically have a harder time when it comes to preventing infections. Additionally, gum disease may make it harder to control blood sugar, which increases the risk of diabetic complications.

To learn more about diabetes and gum disease, check out this blog.

Gum disease and heart disease

Gum disease is also linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Research suggests that inflammation in the body caused by gum disease can precede major cardiac events such as heart attacks and strokes. Another reason may be that bacteria from gum disease can travel through the bloodstream to the heart, which can infect heart valves. Although the link between the two is not fully understood, medical professionals agree that gum disease negatively impacts heart health.

Gum disease and osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a medical disease in which bones become fragile and brittle. In some cases, bones can become so weak that a sneeze can fracture bones. Osteoporosis is usually caused by aging, hormones, and calcium and vitamin D deficiency. However, studies have found that gum disease is also a major risk factor. The inflammation caused by gum disease may impact bone homeostasis, or the creation of new bone, throughout the body. There are other mechanisms at play that scientists are working to better understand.

Gum disease and respiratory disease

Gum disease can impact your lungs and make existing lung problems worse. This is because bacteria can be inhaled and absorbed by the lungs through tiny saliva droplets. Once the bacteria reaches the lungs, an infection can occur, especially if the organs have previous damage.

Recently, it has been found that people with severe gum disease are more likely to have serious complications from COVID-19, including the need for a ventilator or having an increased risk of dying from the virus.

Gum disease and cancer

People with gum disease may have a higher risk of developing certain cancers, specifically cancers of the stomach and esophagus. According to a study from Harvard University, the bacteria from gum disease can negatively impact gut health. The observational study found that people with gum disease were 43% more likely to develop esophageal cancer and 52% more likely to develop stomach cancer compared to those with healthy gums.

Catching gum disease early is important for overall health

The best way to prevent gum disease from attacking your body is to catch and treat it early. Here are some of the best ways to catch the disease:

Visit your dentist. Regular visits to your dentist are the best way to prevent and/or identify periodontal disease. During the checkup, they will check for gingivitis, which is an early form of periodontal disease. Your dentist will also help by cleaning your teeth and gums, effectively removing the plaque that causes gum disease in the first place.

Consider the symptoms. Do you have pain when chewing? Are you experiencing bad breath? Do your gums bleed after brushing your teeth or feel tender or puffy? You may have periodontal disease.

Paying attention to any changes in your mouth, like sudden pain when eating or a newly discovered loose tooth, will help you gauge the state of your oral health. If you start to notice any of these symptoms persisting, it’s time to see your dentist.

Know your habits. People who rarely maintain their teeth and gums, those who smoke or chew tobacco, women who are pregnant, folks on certain medications, and many who have specific conditions like those mentioned above are at risk for periodontal disease. If you fall into one of these risk categories, you’ll have to be more diligent about preventive measures.

How to prevent gum disease

Preventing gum disease can be easy. Regular visits to the dentist, a proper oral care routine, and paying attention to your body are all that are required of you. If you suspect you have gum disease, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.

People who have dental coverage are more likely to visit their dentist on time. They’re also more likely to avoid dental problems in the future. To find a provider in your area, use our handy search tool.

Looking for more information on gum disease? Learn about how to stop gum recession.

Life with unhealthy teeth

04/25/2023 read Adult Oral Health

Have you ever canceled a dentist appointment because you felt your teeth were fine as they were? Because unhealthy teeth may not always present physical symptoms, many people ignore their oral health and take their teeth for granted. However, having a false sense of security that your teeth are healthy may lead to various problems that can impact your day-to-day life and overall wellbeing. Let’s take a peek at what a life with unhealthy teeth might look like.

Say goodbye to your favorite foods

Think of some of your favorite foods to indulge in. Now picture not being able to enjoy these foods because of limitations on what you can and can’t chew. Oral health issues like “tooth loss, gum disease, and cavities” can directly impact what you’re able to eat. Many people with loose or missing teeth have to switch to a diet full of soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, which could mean less of your favorite chocolate bars or chips and salsas.

Less social interaction

For many, a neglected smile can be a reason to avoid conversations, negatively impacting their social life and mental health. According to the American Dental Association, 23% of adults feel embarrassed of the condition of their mouth and teeth, and 25% avoid smiling altogether because of these feelings.

Chronic mouth pain

Unhealthy teeth can cause severe pain in the mouth, often in the form of toothaches. Toothaches can be a consequence of poor oral health, often caused by tooth decay, cracked teeth, loose or broken fillings, or even bacterial infections. Toothaches can also occur when the pulp in your tooth becomes infected with bacteria, and because the nerves inside your teeth are sensitive, the pain can be extremely serious. If left untreated, toothaches can spread throughout the whole body, leading to more severe health issues down the line.

Shorter lifespan

There’s no doubt that tooth loss can affect quality of life, with side effects like difficulty chewing food, embarrassment, and pain, but can your teeth actually impact the length of your life?

Recent studies have found that your number of teeth can correlate to your life expectancy. Specifically, results showed “those with 20 teeth or more at the age of 70 had a considerably higher chance of living longer than those with fewer than 20 teeth.”

Keep your teeth healthy with proper oral health care

Taking proper care of your teeth is essential for maintaining good oral health. Simple habits like brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, limiting sugary food and drinks, and avoiding smoking can go a long way in keeping your teeth healthy. Additionally, it’s important to visit the dentist at least once a year for check-ups and cleanings, even if you think your teeth are fine.

Dental insurance can provide financial support for both routine visits and unexpected dental emergencies. Find a Delta Dental provider near you today.

The sun and our vision: Prevent eye damage from the sun

04/25/2023 read Vision Benefits

The sun can be doing some serious damage to your eyes and vision. Learn how to avoid eye damage from the sun.

*Updated July 2023

When you step outside or look out a window, you probably aren’t thinking about how the sun is impacting your vision. Even when it’s hiding behind clouds, the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, or UV rays, can damage our eyes. The sun’s UV rays are the main cause of skin cancer, but they also cause sunburns, premature aging, and eye damage.

Protecting your skin and eyes from damaging UV rays is important whether you spend a lot of time outside or not. Keep reading to learn the best ways to protect your vision for years to come.

Eye damage from the sun

Any time you are outside, whether it’s summer or winter, your eyes can experience damage from the sun. Prolonged exposure without proper protection can lead to eye problems including:

Corneal sunburn: Corneal sunburn occurs when the cornea is sunburned. Also known as photokeratitis, corneal sunburns can cause pain, blurred vision, swelling, headache, tearing, and more. A vision doctor most often diagnoses a corneal sunburn by asking about your recent activities.
Cataracts: Our eyes have a natural lens. When that lens becomes cloudy, it’s known as a cataract. This can cause double vision, light sensitivity, and bright colors to appear faded. Aging and exposure to UV light without eye protection can cause cataracts to develop.
Cancer: The exact cause of most eye cancers is still being researched, but we do know of links between eye cancer and other health conditions and lifestyle choices. Researchers theorize that too much exposure to sunlight is a risk factor for uveal or conjunctival melanoma of the eye. Additionally, race/ethnicity, eye color, age, gender, genetics, and family history are all risk factors for eye cancer. Learn more about eye cancer at cancer.org.
Macular degeneration: The macula is a part of the retina at the back of our eye that helps you see very specific details of things you look at. Macular degeneration occurs when the macula is damaged. This can lead to blurry, deteriorated vision. High sun exposure increases your risk for macular degeneration, which can develop rapidly or over time as you age.
Growths on the eye (pterygium): Ultraviolet radiation, sometimes in combination with the wind, can cause pterygium to develop. Also known as surfer’s eye, a pterygium is a benign, raised bump on the eyeball that can cause some discomfort and blurred vision. They are mostly seen in 30- to 50-year-olds and are rarely seen in children. Though benign, they can cause a burning feeling or the sensation that something is trapped in the eye.

How to protect your vision from sun damage

The best way to protect your eyes and vision from sun damage is to take preventive measures, especially when outside. Here are some simple ways to protect your eyes:

Wear wide-brimmed hats.
Wear sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses.
Avoid being outside when the sun is the strongest.
Never look directly at the sun.
Encourage children to wear hats and sunglasses while outside.
Apply sunscreen on the skin around your eyes.

If you have a concern about your vision, click here to find a vision doctor near you.

Looking for more ways to take care of your vision? Check out What Vision Correction Option is Right For You?

The unique connection between oral health and mental health

04/25/2023 read Adult Oral Health, Lifestyle

*Updated May 2026

Key takeaways about oral health and mental health:

Poor mental health can lead to dental complications, and poor oral health can worsen mental health conditions. The two are more deeply linked than most people realize.
Depression, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders each present unique oral health challenges, from tooth decay and gum disease to enamel erosion and dry mouth.
Mental health professionals have both an opportunity and a responsibility to incorporate oral health awareness into their care strategies for better patient outcomes.

The link between oral health and physical health is well established. For example, poor oral hygiene has long been associated with serious conditions like heart disease and stroke. But the relationship between oral health and mental health is just as significant, and far less talked about.

The truth is, the two are more deeply connected than most people realize.

The physical health and oral health disconnect

To understand the connection between oral health and mental health, it helps to know why physical and oral health were ever separated in the first place.

Centuries ago, dentistry and medicine were practiced as one. That changed in the mid-1800s when the creation of separate dental and medical schools effectively split oral health from the broader medical field. As a result, mental health care, which falls under medicine, was historically overlooked in its connection to oral health.

Today, efforts are being made to reintegrate these disciplines and take a more holistic approach to patient well-being. One driving force behind this movement is the growing recognition that dentists are often the first to spot signs of systemic conditions, which can then be addressed by a physician.

Some of the conditions a dentist may detect include diabetes, oral cancer, osteoporosis, anemia, GERD, HIV, and eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa.

Mental health impacts on oral health

The connection between oral health and mental health is an increasing area of focus for both dental and mental health professionals.

A study published in Psychiatric News revealed that individuals with mental disorders are less likely to maintain regular dental visits, putting them at a higher risk for dental disease and other health complications.

The type of mental disorder someone has can lead to different dental problems. Here are just a few ways poor mental health can cause poor oral health:

Depression

Depression can take a significant toll on oral health in more ways than one. People with depression are more likely to use substances like alcohol, which contribute to tooth decay and erosion. They’re also less likely to keep up with daily self-care habits like brushing and flossing, increasing the risk of gum disease and other dental conditions.

Bipolar affective disorder (BD)

Bipolar disorder can also affect oral health in unique ways. People with BD are more likely to aggressively brush their teeth, which can damage the gums and cause enamel to wear away.

Additionally, according to the research journal Healthcare, “Psychotropic medications for bipolar disorder frequently cause xerostomia, compromising oral health by decreasing saliva’s natural cleansing action and increasing vulnerability to oral pathogens.”

Eating disorders

Individuals with eating disorders, particularly bulimia nervosa, are more susceptible to tooth decay and serious dental complications. Frequent purging exposes teeth to stomach acid, which erodes enamel over time, leading to sensitivity, discoloration, and decay. Because these signs are often visible during a routine dental visit, dentists are frequently among the first to recognize the condition.

Oral health impacts on mental health

Oral health and mental health are deeply intertwined, and the relationship goes both ways. Much like poor mental health can lead to poor oral health, neglecting your smile can also worsen existing mental health conditions.

Here are just a few ways poor oral health can exacerbate mental health problems, according to the American Psychiatric Association:

People with severe mental health issues often find it hard to maintain dental hygiene or access dental care.
Many people, including those with mental health conditions, avoid dental care due to anxiety. However, untreated oral pain can worsen mental health, making care even harder.
Poor oral health affects eating, speaking, and self-esteem, which can reduce social interaction and harm mental well-being.

Embracing the connection between oral health and mental health

The link between oral health and mental health is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. With that recognition comes a real opportunity to improve patient outcomes through meaningful changes in mental health care.

A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlights the importance of this integration, noting that mental health professionals should incorporate oral health care into their daily responsibilities, prioritize awareness of associated risks, and develop long-term strategies to improve their patients’ oral health.

By weaving oral health into mental health care, professionals have the opportunity to elevate overall well-being, delivering better health outcomes and a higher quality of life for their patients.

Top 5 ways to ease dental anxiety

03/13/2023 read Children's Oral Health

Person coving their mouth in the dentist chair.

*Updated March 2026

Key takeaways about dental anxiety:

Dental anxiety is common. You’re not alone if you feel uneasy about dental appointments.
There are strategies to help alleviate feelings of dental anxiety, ranging from open communication with your dentist to medication in severe cases.
Dental anxiety shouldn’t stop you from taking care of your oral health. Be sure to utilize these tips and keep your dental check-ups.

Does the idea of going to the dentist ever leave you feeling uneasy, nervous, or even a little scared? You’re definitely not alone.

Dental anxiety is far more common than most people realize. About 36% of people in the United States report feeling fearful about dental treatment.

Although dental anxiety is common, there are things you can do to calm your nerves and make you feel confident about your visits.

How to relieve dental anxiety

If you have dental anxiety, you may be more likely to put off or avoid dental visits. The harsh reality is that postponing dental checkups and not getting the proper care you need can lead to poor oral health down the line. Luckily, there are things you can do to ease dental anxiety and help you feel more comfortable.

Talk to your dentist and hygienist before your appointment

One of the best ways to ease dental anxiety is to communicate your feelings with your dental team. If the appointment makes you nervous, tell them! By informing them of your situation, they’ll know they need to give explanations and assurances throughout each step of your appointment, so you know what to expect from start to finish.

Drown out the noise to help dental anxiety

Today, many dental offices offer the option for patients to watch TV during their appointment. If you get the choice, turn the volume up on your headphones to mute out the sound of potential anxiety-inducing instruments and tools. If your dentist doesn’t provide headphones, bring your own and listen to your favorite show, movie, podcast, or music.

Practice meditation before and during dental checkups

Meditation is a great way to calm both your mental and physical self before and during a dental visit. It doesn’t have to be something elaborate. Even just taking the time to focus on your breathing can help. Take deep breaths in and long breaths out, and make a note of how you feel before and after practicing.

Bring a family member or friend

If the support of friends and family eases your mind, bringing someone close to you may make you feel more comfortable during your appointment and lessen feelings of dental anxiety. Just be sure to ask your dental office if they’re OK with having a companion sit in the room with you.

If needed, discuss medication options for severe dental anxiety

If natural remedies don’t provide you the anxiety relief you’re looking for, your dentist may be able to prescribe anti-anxiety medication for you to take before an appointment. You and your dentist may also discuss the possibility of sedation and decide that something like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may be a great option to keep you calm.

Don’t let dental anxiety keep you from having good oral health

Regular dental visits are essential for both your oral and overall health, which is why finding effective ways to ease dental anxiety is so important. The next time you have an appointment, try one of the tips above to help create a calmer, more confident experience.

What to do after an eye injury

03/13/2023 read Lifestyle, Vision Benefits

When you think about injuries, what comes to mind? Broken bones? Sprained ankles? Maybe a laceration? Most people do not think of the eyes as a common place to have an injury. However, each year an estimated 2.4 million people suffer from eye injuries in the United States. That’s more than 6,000 eye injuries per day!

If you find yourself dealing with an eye injury, the steps you take after can be the difference between a full recovery and vision loss. Keep reading for information on what to do after an eye injury.

Causes of eye injuries

Eye injuries are caused by many things including accidents, exposure to certain chemicals, sports, foreign objects in the eyes, and so on. According to Prevent Blindness, 125,000 eye injuries each year are caused by common household products such as cleaning products, gardening materials like fertilizer, and even grass clippings when mowing the lawn. Additionally, more than 2,000 people a day injure their eyes at work in the United States, and over 25,000 people seek treatment for sports-related eye injuries each year.

Incurring an eye injury is easy to do and can cost you immensely – both financially and physically. The good news is that with proper eye protection, 90% of these injuries can be prevented.

Types of eye injuries

Eye injuries can be considered mild, which need little treatment, to severe, where more invasive treatment is necessary. Here are some of the most common eye injuries according to the Cleveland Clinic:

Black eyes
Bleeding in the eye
Burns caused by chemicals, fumes, and other irritants
Corneal abrasions
Injury from foreign objects
Irritations caused by chemicals, fumes, and other irritants
Retinal detachment

While some of these injuries can be treated at home, others need immediate treatment from a doctor. No matter how severe an eye injury is, it’s important to follow up with an eye doctor as soon as possible to prevent further complications.

What to do after an eye injury

If you find yourself with an eye injury, it’s important to contact your general physician for advice. Many medical providers have options to chat online rather than having to make an appointment. However, if the eye injury is severe, such as an object stuck in the eye, a trip to the emergency room is necessary.

Often doctors will recommend anyone with an eye injury come in for an exam. During the exam your doctor may do the following:

Check your eyes for signs of injury like redness, bruising, swelling, etc.
Check for abnormalities in and around your eyeballs
Monitor how your eyes move and pupils contract and expand
Conduct an eye exam to look inside your eyes
Perform medical imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds

After a doctor has completed the exam, they will give you further instructions for treatment. In some cases, a cold compress may be all you need. However, in more severe cases such as retinal detachments, surgery is required. Most of the time mild eye injuries can be treated with eye flushing, eyedrops, or eye patches that allow the eye to rest while it heals.

It’s very important to follow through with your treatment to prevent things like vision loss or additional damage to your eye.

How to prevent eye injuries

The key to preventing eye injuries is to use the proper protective gear when doing certain activities. If you participate in sports, sports goggles or glasses are widely available. For jobs that involve construction or simply doing chores around the house, safety goggles keep debris from entering the eyes. Some safety goggles even prevent irritants such as fumes, vapors, chemical splashes, and other harmful substances from entering the eyes.

Keeping your eyes safe is important. One way to keep your eyes healthy and safe is to have vision insurance. Learn more about our vision insurance options now.

The importance of eye protection when playing sports

03/13/2023 read Vision Benefits

Eye injuries are common in sports, especially when eye protection is not utilized. Learn more about the importance of eye protection for adults and children when playing sports.

*Updated September 2023

Athletes know the importance of protecting their bodies when playing sports. Helmets, pads, and mouth guards are just a few of the items used to keep them safe. When it comes to vision and eye protection, however, there tends to be less concern.

Discover why using eye protection while participating in sports is an essential part of keeping your eyes and vision safe.

Most sports should feature eye protection

What sports come to mind when you think of eye injuries? People tend to think about action sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking, but there are other activities such as basketball, hockey, boxing, and soccer that run the risk of an eye injury.

Although many traditional sports in the United States don’t require eye protection, parents and participants may want to consider adding it to their list of protective items.

Below is a chart of activities with varying risks of eye injury:

Some sports, such as paintball and fencing, run a high risk of eye injury and require participants to wear eye protection. Others such as hockey, baseball, and softball don’t require eye protection. Unfortunately, significant injuries can occur if a player takes a hockey puck or ball to the eye.

Sports such as biking, skiing, snowboarding, and swimming have a lower injury risk, but that doesn’t mean eye protection isn’t a good idea. Bikers should wear eye protection to prevent small items such as pebbles or sand from entering their eyes. Skiers and snowboarders get multiple benefits from wearing goggles. Not only do their goggles prevent debris and wind from getting into their eyes, but many types also have protection against the sun.

Eye protection can help prevent infections, too. Swim goggles protect against chlorine, bacteria, and other chemicals from entering the eye. These chemicals can cause irritation and other medical problems in the eye.

Sport-related eye injuries

Sport-related eye injuries are more common than many people think. Here are some of the types of eye injuries that can occur when playing sports without proper eye protection:

Corneal Abrasion: Corneal abrasion occurs when the cornea, or “the clear, protective ‘window’ at the front of the eye,” is scratched or injured. This tends to happen when a small object such as a pebble, dirt, toys, or a ball hits the eye.
Hyphema: Hyphema is bleeding in and around the eye, usually after being struck by something. If this appears, it is crucial to get medical care immediately.
Black eye: A black eye occurs after impact with the eye causes the surrounding tissue to bruise.
Fractures: Fractures occur when one or more bones surrounding the eye are broken. This is usually caused by a significant impact. Orbital fractures can cause severe damage to the eye, so going to see an eye doctor is imperative.
Eyelid laceration: Eyelid lacerations are scratches or cuts that occur on the eyelid. If this happens, have an eye physician examine the cornea, pupil, and retina to make sure the laceration doesn’t impair you or your child’s vision.

Choosing the right eye protection

The best way to protect your eyes and vision is to choose the correct protective gear. Different types of sports glasses and goggles are available for reasonable prices. Here are some of the most common options:

Sports glasses: Also known as “rec specs,” sports glasses are more common in sports with limited contact or a lower intensity.
Sports goggles: Often used in sports with high speeds and the potential for contact. This is because sports goggles stay on your face much better than sports glasses.

Pro tip: Sports goggles and sports glasses can often be customized with prescription lenses. Be sure to talk with a vision specialist for more information.

Lastly, it’s crucial that whatever type of eye protection you get fits correctly. Protective eye gear that doesn’t fit properly may not provide adequate protection and compromise your vision, which could result in serious injury.

Looking for more information on keeping your eyes healthy? Check out The Sun and Our Vision | Prevent Eye Damage from the Sun.