Protective Eyewear and Sports Eye Safety
Sports are exciting to play, but you could be risking your eyes and vision if you aren’t careful. From flying balls to accidental elbows, sports related eye injuries can lead to temporary or permanent vision problems. That’s why wearing protective eyewear is important for athletes of all ages.
Common eye injuries in sports can range from mild to severe, including:
- Corneal abrasions caused by fingers, balls or equipment
- Blunt trauma leading to bruising, swelling or fractures around the eye
- Penetrating injuries from sharp objects or projectiles
- Retinal detachment or internal eye trauma in high-impact sports
Even sports that seem like they’re lower risk, like soccer or biking, can result in serious eye injuries if proper precautions aren’t taken.
Protective eyewear is designed to shield the eyes, absorb impact and prevent injuries. When selecting sports eyewear, consider polycarbonate lenses, which are highly impact resistant while also being lightweight, so there’s less interference with your game. Wraparound frames provide full coverage of the sides of the eyes as well. And if you have a prescription, choose eyewear that can be customized so you can see clearly.
Different sports require different eyewear; for example, the glasses you wear riding a bike will be different from the ones you wear for pickleball. When selecting the appropriate pair, make sure they stay in place with a comfortable but secure fit. Many have adjustable straps to let you better fit them to your head. An ANSI (American National Standards Institute) certification lets you know they have been tested and proven to do their job.
Wearing the right eyewear has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of eye injuries, especially in fast-moving or contact sports. For children and teens, protective glasses are even more important, as young eyes are more vulnerable to trauma. Even with protective gear, accidents can happen. Quick evaluation by an eye specialist can be essential to preserving your vision, preventing long term complications and addressing injuries or fractures that may require surgical repair.
Visit our Optical Shoppe to learn more about the protective eyewear available at Fisher-Swale-Nicholson Eye Center.