Gear up!
If you play sports, you know they can be a lot of fun. The last thing you want to do is miss a game, especially if it’s because you’re hurt. That’s why you should always follow the rules and wear the right safety gear.
Think about your favorite sport. Do you wear anything to protect your eyes, like goggles or a face mask? You might think you don’t need protective eyewear, but sports-related eye injuries are serious. Eye injuries are a leading cause of blindness among children in the United States. The good news is that most eye injuries can be prevented with the right protective eyewear.
Check out the list below to see examples of some sports that may put you at high risk for eye injuries.
High Risk
Baseball
Basketball
Water Sports
Boxing
Hockey
Paintball
Racquetball
Softball
Squash
Fencing
Lacrosse
Wrestling
Moderate Risk
Football
Golf
Badminton
Soccer
Tennis
Fishing
Low Risk
Bicycling
Gymnastics
Track and Field
Diving
Swimming
Skiing
Protective Eyewear Fast Facts
- Everyone should wear protective eyewear.
- Ordinary prescription glasses, contact lenses, and sunglasses won’t protect you from injuries. Most protective eyewear can be made to match your prescription.
- For the best protection, use eyewear made of ultra-strong polycarbonate.
- Choose eyewear specifically made for your sport and make sure it fits comfortably on your face.
Check out ourProtective Eyewear page and talk to an adult to find out what gear you need. Then wear the gear whenever you’re practicing or playing.
Ask a Scientist: Underwater Eyes
Switch to video with audio descriptionDr. Michael Steinmetz explains why salt water stings our eyes, why it does not sting whales' eyes, and whether opening our eyes in a pool is harmful.
Did You Know?
Toys, BB guns, darts, sticks, stones, and air guns can injure your eyes. Remember to play safe.
Last updated: June 10, 2022