What is Sports Eye Safety Month?April is Sports Eye Safety Month—and Visionworks is Team Healthy Eyes!

Use the Correct Eyewear

Different rules apply to each sport, so it makes sense that each requires its own type of protective eyewear. For example, high-impact sports like hockey and football require helmets, which have options for protective eye shields to keep the eyes safe from impact. Sports goggles or “rec specs” (glasses specially made for recreation) with polycarbonate lenses are sufficient protection for lower-impact sports like soccer and basketball. Non-contact sports like golf only require glasses with durable frames and lenses that protect the eyes from ultra-violet (UV) light. Some sports don’t require protective eyewear, but it is still a good idea to keep your eyes as safe as possible.

If you are an athlete who wears glasses, you may also want to consider the benefits of contact lenses. Unlike glasses, contacts don’t slide down your nose when you break a sweat, shatter upon impact or cause discomfort when wearing a helmet and other gear. While many athletes prefer contacts, other protection options include prescription sports goggles or rec specs. If you’re unsure what the best option is, consult an eye doctor about your specific needs.

Know the Risks

Before you hit the field or jump into the rink, you should know the risks associated with your sport. For example, a combat sport like boxing poses a higher eye safety risk than a low-impact sport like track and field. Sports such as baseball, basketball, football and hockey are considered high risk for eye injuries. Soccer, tennis and golf pose moderate risks. Finally, sports including swimming, track and gymnastics are low risk. The environment you play in is also a factor. For example, winter sports like skiing require you to protect your eyes from the cold—and outdoor summer sports like beach volleyball may require an investment in high-quality sunglasses. In addition, your family medical history and past eye injuries may also affect your risk level. Always consult your eye doctor about the sports you play and the best ways to minimize eye health risks.

Keep Your Prescription Current

Clear vision is crucial for protecting yourself and your eyes during playtime. For example, if you can’t see where you’re running on the field, you may trip. Make sure to schedule regular eye exams to keep your glasses, contacts or sports goggles prescription updated. During an exam, your eye doctor checks for other eye health conditions and makes sure your vision is crystal clear so you can score the next goal.

Be Mindful of Sun Exposure

Playing outdoor sports like golf and tennis without wearing sunglasses can lead to significant UV damage to the eyes, including eye sunburn and even long-term vision loss. Wearing prescription sunglasses is an excellent way to protect your eyes during outdoor sports play. Polarized lenses reduce even more glare, increasing your chances of scoring the next point.