Every year there are over 40,000 sports-related eye injuries – and nearly ninety percent of them are avoidable. Basketball and baseball account for more eye injuries than any other sports.
Most youth sports leagues, other than hockey, do not require protective eyewear for participants. Despite that parents, coaches and players should make sure that their eyes are well protected.
Sports goggles, including prescription goggles, eye shields, and eye guards can prevent most eye injuries. Glasses and contact lenses do not provide protection, and glasses can sometimes make the injury worse, as they are not designed to handle any impact. Make sure that your sport or safety eyewear is designed specifically for your sport.
Part of preventive care includes regular eye exams with an optometrist. And of course, any athlete with an eye injury should be examined by an eye doctor as soon as possible.
