Sports Eye Safety
Each year, close to 30,000 sports-related eye injuries are treated in the U.S. emergency rooms. Up to 90% of these eye injuries could have been prevented by wearing protective eyewear.
Protective eye wear recommendations vary by sport. For example, high-impact sports like hockey and football require helmets, which have options for protective eye shields to keep the eyes safe from impact. Sports goggles or recreation spectacles (rec-specs) with polycarbonate lenses are sufficient protection for lower-impact sports like soccer and basketball. Non-contact sports like golf only require glasses with durable frames and lenses that protect the eyes from ultra-violet (UV) light. Some sports don’t require protective eyewear, but it is still a good idea to keep your eyes as safe as possible.
If you are an athlete who wears glasses, you may also want to consider the benefits of contact lenses. Unlike glasses, contacts don’t slide down your nose when you break a sweat, shatter upon impact or cause discomfort when wearing a helmet and other gear. While many athletes prefer contacts, other protection options include prescription sports goggles or rec specs.
EyeOptics offers a variety of options for adults and youth to keep your eyes safe. Oakleys for adults and youth, Rec’s Specs and Nike Sunglasses are some of the options for you to choose from. Stop by our office and we would be happy to help you select the option that is right for you.
SPORTS SAFTEY TIPS:
1) USE THE EYE WEAR BEST SUITED TO YOUR SPORT
Each sport poses a different risk to the eyes.
- High Risk: Baseball, basketball, football, hockey and boxing
- Moderate Risk: Soccer, tennis and golf
- Low Risk: swimming, track and gymnastics
EyeOptics doctors are happy to consult with you about the sports you play and the best way to protect your eyes.
2) KEEP YOUR PRESCRIPTION CURRENT
Clear vision is crucial for protecting yourself and your eyes during playtime. Be sure to schedule regular eye exams to keep your eyes healthy and prescription crystal clear to score your next goal.
3) BE MINDFUL OF SUN EXPOSURE
Playing outdoor sports like golf and tennis without wearing sunglasses can lead to significant UV damage to the eyes, including eye sunburn and even long-term vision loss. Wearing prescription sunglasses is an excellent way to protect your eyes during outdoor sports play. Polarized lenses reduce even more glare.
Baseball
Helmet with a polycarbonate shield for batting and running. Sports goggles, sunglasses or light reactive contacts on the field.
Basketball
Wear sports goggles or rec specs on the court.
Hockey
A helmet with a protective face shield.
Tennis
Durable glasses with a polycarbonate lenses, contacts, sunglasses or rec specs.
Football
Wear a helmet with a polycarbonate face shield.
Soccer
Sports goggles or rec specs.
Swimming
A quality pair of prescription goggles. Do not wear contacts while swimming because they can harbor bacteria when exposed to water.
Golf
Polarized sunglasses, prescription glasses or contacts with light reactive lenses.
Track and Field
Durable sports glasses, sunglasses, or contacts with light‐reactive lenses.
Skiing
Goggles with UV and snow glare protection.
