Although playing sports can be a fun way to stay active, it’s crucial to remember the importance of protecting your eyes. Each year, thousands of athletes suffer from sports-related eye injuries, some of which can cause permanent vision issues. Our resident optometrist at Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry talks about sports eye safety, from its importance to tips to best shield your precious eyes from harm.

Sports With the Highest Risk of Eye Injuries

Certain sports pose a higher risk of eye injuries due to the nature of the game and the equipment used. Some popular sports with the highest risk of eye injuries include:

Basketball. With high-speed action and proximity to other players, basketball carries a significant risk of eye injuries, especially from accidental contact with elbows, fingers, or the ball.
Baseball and Softball. Fast-flying balls and swinging bats can lead to severe eye injuries, particularly if you’re not wearing proper protection.
Racquet Sports. Tennis, racquetball, and squash involve high-speed projectiles and fast-paced action, increasing the chance of eye injuries from direct hits or deflected balls.
Soccer. Though not as prevalent, soccer still poses a risk to your eyes due to potential contact with the ball or another player.
Hockey. Pucks, sticks, and body checks contribute to the risk of eye injuries in hockey, making it essential to wear adequate protective gear.

Types of Sports-Related Eye Injuries

Professional eye care experts know how sports-related eye injuries can range in severity. Some of the most common include the following:

Corneal Abrasions. Scratches or scrapes on the surface of your eye, typically caused by direct contact with a finger or other objects.
Fractures of the Eye Socket. A blow can result in a broken bone surrounding the eye, leading to swelling, bruising, and potential vision issues.
Retinal Detachment. A direct hit or severe impact can cause the retina to detach from the back of the eye, leading to vision loss if not treated promptly.
Traumatic Cataracts. Damage to the eye’s lens due to an injury can result in cataracts, which cloud the lens and impair vision.
Traumatic Glaucoma. Blunt trauma to the eye can lead to increased pressure within the eye, resulting in glaucoma and potential vision loss.

Prevention of Sports-Related Eye Injuries

Protecting your eyes during sports is crucial; wearing proper protective eyewear is the key way to do so. Consider the following options:

Polycarbonate Lenses. These shatterproof lenses offer excellent protection and are the standard for sports eyewear.
Sports Goggles. Goggles designed explicitly for sports provide increased protection and can be worn with or without prescription lenses.
Helmets With Face Shields. For sports like hockey or football, wearing a helmet with an attached face shield can help protect your eyes from potential injuries.

What to Do if You Suffered a Sports-Related Eye Injury

If you suffer an eye injury while playing sports, take the following immediate steps:

Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the injured eye.
Seek professional eye care as soon as possible.

Sports eye safety and preventative measures can help you enjoy your favorite activities without risking your vision. Call Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry today if you suffer a sports-related eye injury or want to explore LASIK eye surgery.

You can reach us at (703) 660-9494 (Alexandria, VA), (703) 413-1400 (Crystal City), (703) 522-7676 (Clarendon), (703) 573-1200 (Falls Church), or (703) 467-9080 (Reston). You can also book a consultation with one of our optometrists for an appointment.