MATTAWA - The American Academy of Ophthalmology is recognizing April as Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month, and Columbia Basin Health Association is supporting that effort.

According to a survey by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, only 35 percent of respondents said they always wear protective eyewear when performing home repairs or maintenance. Even fewer do so while playing sports.

CBHA optometrists, Dr. Chris Pellejera and Dr. Jason Bleazard, caution against this oversight.

"Ninety percent of common eye injuries sustained by people involved in a high-impact situation such as during sports or throughout a physically-intensive job could by avoided if protective eyewear had been worn," Pellejera said.

Wahluke EyeCare sells clear non-prescription tinted safety glasses. Patients can also order prescription safety glasses, Pellejera noted.

Pellejera also noted that clear non-prescription eye wear is available at Ace Hardware and other large hardware retail stores.

You may contact Pellejera or Bleazard for more information by calling 509-932-3535.