Happy Sports Eye Safety Month!
Did you know there are thousands of eye injuries yearly due to sports? In fact, according to Prevent Blindness, in 2023, there were more than 32,600 eye injuries in relation to sports, with water sports being the top sport to cause injury. The next highest number of eye injuries came from the sports category of “non-powder guns, darts, arrows, and slingshots.” And that’s not all. For kids aged 15 and up, basketball was the game most likely to result in eye injuries, and for all the rest, pickleball was the top contender for “game with a ball” to cause injury (though injury in this sport can be due to either the ball or the paddle).
Sports-Related Eye Injuries
What types of eye injuries can occur as a result of playing sports? These injuries can include:
- Retina tears
- Retina detachment
- Blunt trauma
- Corneal scratches
- Corneal abrasions
- Penetrating injuries
- Eye infections
The world of sports can be frightening!
Wait, Do I Have to Give Up Sports?
Absolutely not! Sports are great; we love ‘em. However, we would like to suggest ways to ensure your eyes are their safest when engaging in any sport. Here are a few excellent guidelines to follow if you’d like to avoid eye injuries.
- Wear protective eyewear. We don’t mean sunglasses or prescription glasses, either, but legit protective eyewear. Sure, goggles or helmets that feature built-in protection for the eyes might look a little silly for some games, but that’s better than suffering a severe injury to the eye!
- When purchasing protective eyewear, make sure the lenses pop outward or stay in place in case of an accident. You absolutely do not want a lens to pop out toward your eye.
- Consider polycarbonate lenses. These lenses are shatterproof, thinner than plastic, and even provide some protection from UV rays.
- Ensure any protective sports eyewear has been certified by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) or another authorized certification organization.
- Always follow your game’s regulations, and avoid engaging in aggressive play.
- Keep up with your routine eye exams! The best way to catch an injury you may not be aware of is by seeing your eye doctor regularly for check-ups.
Final Thoughts
Sports of all kinds are fantastic. They’re fun and offer wonderful health benefits. However, they can also offer eye injuries, which you want to avoid. With the tips above, you can keep your eyes safe during play and ensure your eyes stay healthy for a long time. (Plus, safe eyeballs = better games!)
Have more questions about sports eye injuries or the best safety eyewear for your game? Drop us a line anytime!
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Written by Misty Layne