Safety First! The Importance of Sports Safety Eyewear

September is here, bringing cooler nights, back-to-school business, and the fall sports season. In recognition of this, Prevent Blindness has again declared September as Sports Eye Safety Month, to educate the public on the risk of painful and potentially blinding eye injuries that can occur while playing sports without the proper eye protection. More than 32,600 sports-related eye injuries were treated in the United States in 2023, underscoring the importance of sharing this information.

The most important, and perhaps easiest thing one can do to prevent sports eye injury is to use the appropriate protective eyewear.

Regular prescription glasses, sunglasses, and occupational safety glasses do not provide enough, or the right kind of protection.

Understanding the Risk

According to Prevent Blindness, pool, and water sports report the highest rate of eye injuries. Basketball is another sport with a significant injury rate, especially for those over age 15. With the rise in popularity of pickleball, the number of eye injuries in this sport is also on the rise, particularly in doubles games where players have less time to react to fast-moving balls.

Why Protective Eyewear Matters

Wearing protective eyewear, such as goggles or ASTM F803-compliant sports glasses, can significantly reduce the risk of eye injuries. These glasses are designed to withstand the impacts common in sports, preventing injuries like blunt trauma, which can lead to long-term vision problems or even blindness.

Enhancing Performance and Safety

Besides protecting the eyes, specialized sports eyewear can improve athletes’ performance. Many athletes benefit from enhanced peripheral vision, better contrast, and improved eye-hand coordination. Incorporating protective eyewear into training not only keeps players safe but can also give them a competitive edge.

Safeguard your vision! Whether you're hammering away on a DIY project or shooting hoops with friends, always wear protective eyewear. It's like wearing a seatbelt for your eyes.

Visit VIEWTOPIA Optical for protective eyewear options tailored to your sport and specific needs.