Helpful Tips to Protect Your Eyes During Sports!

April is designated as Sports Eye Safety Awareness

Participating in sports and recreational activities is an important part of living a healthy, active lifestyle. Unfortunately, there are also risks that come with these types of activities. Every 13 minutes, an emergency room in the United States treats a sports-related injury, and many of which are eye injuries. The most common type of eye injuries that result from sports injuries are blunt injuries, corneal abrasions, and penetrating injuries. However, despite the risks, approximately 90% of sports-related eye injuries can be prevented by taking proactive measures and wearing proper eyewear. That is why April is designated as sports eye safety month to help raise awareness in protecting our eyes from harm.

The Hawaiian Eye Center recommends these protective measures to keep your eyes safe during sports: 

Wear your goggles:

According to the Vision Council, only 15 percent of children wear safety goggles. The best safety goggles are made from polycarbonate, a type of plastic that is 10 times stronger than regular plastic. This plastic is so strong that it will not break or shatter into the eye if hit at high speeds. The AAO recommends shatterproof protective glasses for a range of sports, such as basketball, tennis, racquetball, and field hockey. 

Pack a backup: 

Packing a backup pair of glasses or contacts will help you if a sport- related injury either breaks or knocks out your vision tool. 

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Play it safe:

Know whether your sport carries a higher risk of eye injuries. In the US, basketball is the leading cause of sports-related eye injuries. Boxing and full-contact martial arts pose a high risk of serious, even blinding injuries. 

Be on the lookout:

Athletes are not the only people at risk of injury. Although the odds are far lower, spectators can also be at risk of injuries. When at a sporting event, make sure you keep an eye out for fast flying baseballs, tennis balls, or hockey pucks. 

“As we navigate through this Sports Eye Safety Month and beyond, let us prioritize eye protection and injury prevention, recognizing that preserving our vision is integral to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle,” states Dr. Steven Rhee, head ophthalmologist at Hawaiian Eye Center. For more information on eye safety and protection, we encourage individuals to visit hawaiianeye.com, where resources and guidance are readily available. Together, let’s commit to safeguarding our eyes and enjoying sports safely.