Regardless of the sport you play or your age, sports-related injuries are a common occurrence in athletics. Moreover, several sports such as baseball or pickleball, pose a significant risk of eye injuries. Thankfully, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, protective eyewear can eliminate up to 90% of all sports-related eye injuries (Source). That means with the proper guidance and safety, you can practice your serve or fastball with confidence. April is Sports Eye Safety Month, so it’s the perfect time for you to assess the way athletics impact your eyesight. Here are some considerations from our team of experts:
Choose the right eyewear for your sport: Whether you’re on the golf course or the soccer pitch, you need the correct eyewear for your activity. Because of its fast and physical nature, basketball is the leading cause of sports eye injuries in the U.S., followed by baseball, softball, airsoft/pellet guns, racquetball, and hockey. For these sports, it’s recommended to choose eye protection that has either met the ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) standards or passed the CDA racquet shirts standards. This means you want to wear shatterproof, polycarbonate plastic lenses. For sports such as boxing or full-contact martial arts, there is no complete eye protection because of the nature of facial hits/blows. However, it’s been noted that some thumbless gloves do reduce the number of eye injuries.
Consider face masks and face shields for specific sports: For players of lacrosse and eye hockey, participants should consider wearing a helmet with a polycarbonate face mask for a wire shield. In addition to choosing appropriate eye coverage, it’s also essential to check your equipment for cracks or damage regularly, so that when a stick or high-speed ball comes toward your face, your equipment is trustworthy. Lastly, if you are someone who wears glasses or contact lenses, your protective eyewear should fit securely over these and not be pressing into your skin.
Monitor your playing area for obstructions or hazards: Before you begin playing any sport, it’s a wise practice to scan the area for hazards such as sticks, sharp objects, or uneven surfaces. Report any threats to the appropriate authority and do not start playing until the items/issues are removed. Additionally, players should be aware of their surroundings and watch out for any new hazards that may appear during the game (such as children or pets running onto the field, or bystanders being too close to the playing area). By taking these precautions, you can prevent eye injuries and enjoy your favorite sport as safely as possible.
Consider previous vision loss: If you have experienced a reduced vision in one or both eyes, it’s worth consulting with your eye doctor before beginning a high-risk sport. This also applies to parents of children who have vision challenges or reduced vision, since eye injuries are so prevalent. Your eye provider can counsel you about appropriate eyewear, eye protection, and whether high-impact sports pose a significant risk to your sight. While nothing in life is risk-free, it’s essential for potential athletes to have informed consent and protect their eyesight for years to come. It’s also important to be treated immediately if you experience a blow to the eye area or are experiencing problems such as dizziness, double vision, blurriness, or light sensitivity after a sports-related injury. Prompt treatment can help your provider find helpful solutions faster.
When it comes to sports and athletics, prevention is key. Sports can positively add to your quality of life, and by following the eye safety tips discussed in this post, you can enjoy them confidently. If you need more information or are wondering if you/your child’s sports pose a risk to eyesight, our providers can help. Here at Medical Eye Center, our compassionate and patient-centered approach can provide peace of mind and all the information you may need. Our optical shop can also help you select the right eyewear for whatever sport you play. Whether you are a coach, athlete, or a parent, prioritize safety and protect your valuable assets; your vision depends on it.
Sources:
https://preventblindness.org/sports-eye-safety/
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries-sports
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