For all age groups, sports-related eye injuries occur frequently. More than 25,000 people are treated for sport-related injuries each year. But there is good news; 90% of these injuries can be prevented!

What sports have a risk for eye injury?

(Be aware that individual sports have different levels of risk for eye injury)

• High risk: Baseball, basketball, fencing, hockey, lacrosse, racquetball, and softball
  
• Moderate risk: Badminton, football, soccer, tennis, volleyball, and golf
• Low risk: Bicycling, diving, skiing, swimming, and wrestling
• Eye safe: Track and field and gymnastics

Here are some ways to prevent eye injuries:

• Wear proper safety goggles (lensed polycarbonate protectors) for racquet sports or basketball. In order to be assured that your eyes are protected, it is important that any eye guard or sports protective eyewear are labeled as ASTM F803 approved. This eyewear is performance tested to give you the highest levels of protection.
  
• Use batting helmets with polycarbonate face shields while playing baseball.
• Use helmets and face shields approved by the U.S. Amateur Hockey Association when playing hockey.
• Know that regular glasses don’t provide enough protection