Participating in sports is a fantastic way to stay fit, improve coordination, and boost overall well-being. However, many sports come with inherent risks, and one aspect often overlooked is the protection of our most vital sensory organ: the eyes. Sports-related eye injuries are more common than you might think, but with proper awareness and the use of active eyewear, you can enjoy your favorite activities while safeguarding your vision.

The Prevalence of Sports-Related Eye Injuries

University of Illinois College of Medicine states, “Sports and recreational activities cause more than 40,000 eye injuries each year, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology – and most of these accidents are preventable. Indeed, Prevent Blindness America reports that 90% of sports-related eye injuries can be prevented. Basketball and baseball cause the most eye injuries, followed by water sports and racquet sports.

The majority of all eye injuries occur in persons under thirty years of age. Children are especially vulnerable as they often have underdeveloped depth perception and may have difficulty judging the position of a flying ball. It’s not uncommon for a child to misjudge a ball in flight, miss it, and take a blow to the face instead. Safety goggles are advised for children who play softball and baseball.

The severity of sports-induced eye injuries varies from mild scrapes of the cornea to severe trauma that can cause visual impairment or even blindness.”

Sports goggles and high-impact sports eyewear are important for adults and kids alike who participate in sports for several reasons:

Eye Protection: Sports eyewear is designed to provide optimal protection for the eyes. Kids engaging in high-impact sports like basketball, soccer, hockey, baseball, and racquet sports are at a higher risk of eye injuries due to collisions, flying objects, or accidental contact. Proper eyewear can significantly reduce the risk of eye injuries by providing a physical barrier to shield the eyes.

Impact Resistance: High-impact sports eyewear is built with materials that are more resistant to impact and shattering. Regular eyeglasses are not designed to withstand the forces associated with sports activities, and they can break upon impact, causing harm to the eyes and surrounding areas. Sports eyewear, on the other hand, is constructed to withstand these forces and provide continuous protection.

Enhanced Performance: Sports goggles are designed to fit securely and comfortably, reducing the risk of the eyewear falling off during intense physical activities. This can enhance focus and confidence, allowing you to fully engage in the sport without worrying about their eyewear.

Preserving Vision: Eye injuries sustained during sports can have long-term consequences on vision. In some cases, irreversible damage can occur, leading to impaired vision or even blindness. By using sports eyewear, you can protect your eyes and preserve their long-term vision health.

Preventing UV Exposure: Some sports eyewear also offers protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can contribute to eye problems like cataracts and other vision issues. Wearing sports eyewear that provides UV protection can help minimize this risk.

Role Modeling Safety: Encouraging kids to wear proper sports eyewear sets a positive example of safety-conscious behavior. When kids see their peers and professional athletes using protective eyewear, they are more likely to understand its importance and adopt the habit themselves.

Regulation Compliance: Some sports leagues and organizations have specific regulations regarding safety equipment, including sports eyewear. To participate in these leagues, kids may be required to wear approved eyewear to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the field.

Injury Prevention: Properly fitted sports eyewear can help prevent injuries not only to the eyes but also to the surrounding facial areas. Goggles with padded frames and secure straps can cushion impacts and reduce the risk of cuts, bruises, and fractures in case of accidents.

Customization for Visual Impairments: Sports enthusiasts that have visual impairments require corrective lenses to achieve optimal vision. Sports eyewear can be customized to accommodate prescription lenses, allowing those with vision problems to fully participate in sports while maintaining clear vision.

Proper Use and Care of Protective Eyewear

Equally important to choosing the right eyewear is using and maintaining it properly:

Size Matters: Ensure that the eyewear fits snugly but comfortably on your face. Ill-fitting eyewear can be distracting and compromise your safety.

Clean Regularly: Regularly clean your eyewear with appropriate lens-cleaning solutions to maintain clear vision. Avoid wiping lenses with abrasive materials that could scratch them.

Replace Damaged Eyewear: If your eyewear sustains damage, replace it immediately. Cracked or scratched lenses may not provide adequate protection.

Avoid DIY Fixes: Avoid modifying or altering eyewear on your own. This could compromise the structural integrity and effectiveness of the protective gear.

In the world of sports, protecting your eyes is just as important as improving your performance. Sports-related eye injuries are preventable with the right protective eyewear. By understanding the risks associated with your favorite sports and investing in appropriate eyewear, you can enjoy the game while safeguarding your vision for a lifetime. Remember, when it comes to your eyes, prevention is key. For questions on the proper eyewear for your sport, call our office at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444.

About Bissell Eye Care: John D. Bissell, OD owns and operates Bissell Eye Care servicing Northern Pittsburgh and Alle-Kiski Valley regions. With two locations to treat patients, we offer evening and Saturday appointments. Bissell Eye Care provides comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family beginning as early as 6 months, ocular disease detection and treatment, eyeglasses, sunglasses, activewear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. We accept most types of vision and health insurance plans. For more Information, visit bisselleyecare.com or call our Bakerstown Office at 724-443-6767 or Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.