With an estimated 40,000 sports-related eye injuries each year, it’s no wonder more and more athletes are becoming interested in sports eyewear. Sports eyewear can now be seen on professional athletes, children, and everyone in between, and for good reason: injuries in sports extend beyond broken bones. An errant ball, careless elbow, or extended finger can cause serious damage to your eyes.
The safety benefits of sports eyewear have been enjoyed for years in games like racquet ball and squash, but only recently has an increased awareness of eye safety brought them to major sports like basketball, baseball, football, and hockey. What’s more, with a variety of styles to choose from, your eye doctor can fit you with a pair that’s both functional and trendy.
Sports That Don’t Need a Helmet
Baseballs, tennis balls, and golf balls can move at an alarming speed. If these balls make contact with an unprotected eye, the damages can be catastrophic. In these sports, an impact with your eye is considered a medical emergency and even if there is no immediate bruising or swelling, you should see an ophthalmologist right away. The long term consequences of these types of injuries can be diminished eye sight and even blindness. Sports like basketball, where the ball is not moving as quickly, pose just as much of a risk, and injuries to unprotected eyes should be treated in exactly the same manner as those involving balls that travel at higher speeds.
Sports That Do Need a Helmet
A helmet is designed to provide protection against concussion and other head injuries and may only provide minimal protection for your eyes. Fingers, elbows, even turf or ice can make contact with your eyes causing irritation, temporary blindness, and scratches to your cornea. In some extreme cases, you may even lose your eye.
Your eye doctor is able to fit you with protective sports goggles that fit inside a helmet, maximizing your protection against such dangers. These goggles can even be fitted with your current prescription, enhancing vision as well as providing additional protection. Made from scratch resistant and super durable plastics, many sports goggles are also UV resistant, increasing protection for your eyes against sun damage in outdoor sports.
If you are interested in learning about the benefits of protective sports eyewear, please visit eyes.com to find more information.