Sports Eye Safety
For all age groups, sports-related eye injuries occur most frequently in water sports, basketball, and baseball/softball.
More than 25,000 people seek treatment for sports-related eye injuries each year. The good news is that almost all of these injuries can be prevented. Whatever your game, whatever your age, you need to protect your eyes!
Take the following steps to avoid sports eye injuries:
- Wear proper safety goggles (lensed polycarbonate protectors) for racquet sports or basketball. In order to be assured that your eyes are protected, it is important that any eye guard or sports protective eyewear are labeled as ASTM F803 approved. This eyewear is performance tested to give you the highest levels of protection.
- Use batting helmets with polycarbonate face shields for youth baseball.
- Use helmets and face shields approved by the U.S. Amateur Hockey Association when playing hockey.
- Know that regular glasses don't provide enough protection
Recommended Sports Eye Protectors
Prevent Blindness recommends that athletes wear eyeguards appropriate for their particular sport.
Learn MoreTips for Buying Sports Eye Protectors
The following guidelines can help you find a pair of eyeguards right for you.
Learn MoreSupport Sports Eye Safety
Supporting Children's Sports Safety in Your Community
Steps parents, teachers, school nurses and coaches can take to prevent sports eye injuries.
Learn MoreFirst Aid for Eye Emergencies
Knowing what to do for an eye emergency can save valuable time and possibly prevent vision loss. Here are some instructions for basic eye injury first aid.
Learn MoreThe Scope of Eye Injuries
Interested in seeing sports eye injury statistics, by sport? Check out our fact sheet.