Sports Eye Safety
For all age groups, sports-related eye injuries occur most frequently in basketball, water sports and baseball/softball.
More than 31,000 people a year suffer eye injuries. Almost all sports-related eye injuries can be prevented. Whatever your game, whatever your age, you need to protect your eyes!
- 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
Prevent Blindness America recommends that athletes wear eyeguards appropriate for their particular sport. Read More
The following guidelines can help you find a pair of eyeguards right for you. Read More
Steps parents, teachers, school nurses and coaches can take to prevent sports eye injuries. Read More
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. Read More
Prevent Blindness America is a partner organization of The Coalition to Prevent Sports Eye Injuries.
To find out more about sports eye safety in you area, contact your local Sports Eye Injury Prevention Center.