April is national Sports Eye Safety Month

With the spring, as well as often warmer weather, comes a rise in the number of sports related eye injuries. Each year, many people, both young and old incur eye injuries as a result of sport play that could be prevented with proper defense. Wearing proper eye protection while participating in sports is essential particularly in contact sports or those that bring you out into the sun such as ice hockey, softball, football, squash, full-contact martial arts, soccer, or golf.

You can prevent the majority of sports eye injuries by wearing the correct protective eyewear best suited for the sport you are participating in. Protective eyewear will keep you out of harm’s way and will often also have additional protection to shield you from harmful UV light for outdoor activities. Sports eyewear is designed especially to prepare you for certain accidents. Regular glasses typically aren’t adequate for full protection, meaning that even just a minor tumble can become an actual sight-threatening injury.

Protecting your eyes during sports goes beyond using the right protective eyewear. Your sight is an essential component of how well you compete, so it’s vital to have clear vision. If you normally wear eyeglasses, you’ll need protective sports glasses or goggles with a prescription that will also help to correct your vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may require a slightly different lens than the ones you normally wear. Speak to your eye care professional about the choices at your disposal.

Each sport has different needs and risks, so it’s important to allow your optometrist to identify your specific situation and provide the right eyeglasses or contact lenses best for your eyesight needs. This will only help you give you the boost that’ll help you succeed and enjoy sports safety.

Each sport has a range of dangers and demands, so it’s important to allow your eye care professional to identify your specific needs and provide the right eyeglasses or contact lenses that best fit your visual skills. This will help you give you the boost that’ll help you succeed and enjoy sports safety.