The Importance of Eye Safety in Sports

If you want to stay healthy and have fun, you should start playing sports. Whether you enjoy a weekend game or competitive leagues, sports bring joy and energy. However, we know that sports also come with risks of injury. A common and serious injury is an eye injury. It can happen unexpectedly to anyone. So, protecting your vision should always be a priority.

Eye Injuries Happen More Often Than You Think

Have you ever watched a fast ball fly across the field? Or seen a quick elbow in a basketball game? It is easy to see how an injury could happen. Every year, thousands of players suffer from sports-related eye injuries. The good news is that most of these injuries are preventable, thanks to various protective gear. Keeping your eyes safe is often as simple as wearing the right eyewear.

The Effects Can Last a Lifetime

A minor eye injury might seem harmless at first. But it can lead to big problems later on. A hit to the eye can cause scratches, bruises, or serious damage. Left untreated, some injuries can cause permanent vision loss. Protecting your eyes today helps you avoid long-term sight issues.

The Right Gear Stops Most Injuries

If you wear the proper protective gear for your sport, it can prevent most injuries. For example, sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses are incredibly strong. They are designed to take hard hits without breaking. This means your eyes stay well protected during any game.

Regular Glasses Are Not Safe for Sports

If you wear prescription glasses every day, do not wear them for sports. Regular glasses can break easily when hit by a ball or elbow. The lenses could shatter upon impact. The broken pieces could then cause further harm to your eyes. Sports goggles are a much safer choice. They are built to stay intact, no matter what happens during play.

Different Sports Need Different Kinds of Protection

Different sports carry different risks. Choosing the right gear for your sport is very important. Here is a quick guide to the best protection for popular activities:

• Basketball and Racquetball: Tight-fitting sports goggles to shield eyes from flying balls and elbows.

• Softball and Baseball: A helmet with a polycarbonate face guard to protect against fast pitches.

• Cycling and Mountain Biking: Wraparound protective glasses to keep out debris and bugs.

• Swimming: Tight-fitting swim goggles to protect your eyes from chlorine and other chemicals.

Do Not Skip Your Yearly Eye Exams

Just like a routine physical, annual eye exams are important. They help make sure your vision is healthy and clear. Your optometrist can identify small issues early.

Remember to Shield Your Eyes From the Sun

If you play sports outside, be sure to wear protective sunglasses. Look for pairs with polycarbonate lenses, which protect the eyes from harmful UV rays. They also guard against impacts from balls or other players. It is a simple way to get double the protection.

After a game or practice, pay attention to how your eyes feel. Taking quick action can prevent a small issue from becoming a big problem. Your vision is priceless, so it is worth protecting.

For more on eye safety in sports, visit Shalimar Eye Care at our Shalimar, Florida, office. Call (850) 972-1600 to book an appointment today.

Sources:

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries-sports

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/sports-and-eye-safety-tips-parents-and-teachers