September | 2024

Based on statistics provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Directorate for Epidemiology; National Injury Information Clearinghouse; National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Product Summary Report—Eye Injuries Only—Calendar Year 2023

The relatively new sport of pickleball is also increasing the number of eye injuries. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), injuries may occur from being struck by the ball or by the paddle. The AAO states “the risk of eye injury is higher in doubles games because two players are always close to the net and have less time to duck and avoid a fast-flying ball.”

Children’s eye and vision health has been a critical part of the Prevent Blindness mission since our founding in 1908. That’s why we’re proud to be partnering with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) to promote World Sight Day on October 10, 2024, which will highlight the importance of prioritizing children’s eye health.

Prevent Blindness kicks off World Sight Day activities with a Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill, new partnerships with leading organizations, and a series of vision screening and eye health education events with Prevent Blindness affiliates across the country.

Vision Screening and Education Event

Washington, D.C.

Thursday, September 12

in the Rayburn Foyer, 9am – 3pm

Children’s Vision and Eye Health Congressional Briefing

Washington, D.C.

Thursday, September 12

in Rayburn 2044, 11:30am – 1pm



If you would like to attend either or both events in Washington, D.C. on September 12, please RSVP.

Prevent Blindness World Sight Day activities are supported by funding from Amgen.

Eye inflammation occurs in response to infection, allergies, autoimmune disorders, irritation, injury, or trauma to the eyes, eyelids, or surrounding tissues. Different types of Inflammatory Eye Disease (IED) include Uveitis, Keratitis, Conjunctivitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Thyroid Eye Disease. Prevent Blindness has declared September 16-22 as Inflammatory Eye Disease Awareness Week to educate the public about IED and eye inflammation. IED Awareness Week is supported by a grant from Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.

Clinical Research Study

We are sharing an opportunity to participate in a clinical research study being conducted by Janssen Research & Development, LLC.

The purpose of this study is to learn more about the safety and efficacy of an investigational gene therapy for adults with geographic atrophy (GA) caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The investigational gene therapy is given through a one-time intravitreal injection, which is an injection delivered into the gel-like fluid interior of the eye. This type of injection is a common procedure for people with various eye conditions.

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:

• Are 60 years of age or older
• Have GA caused by AMD

Additional eligibility criteria will apply. Not all individuals with GA may qualify to participate in this study.

If you would like to learn more about this study or to check if you may be eligible to participate, please visit the study site.

PreventBlindness.org