Sports-related eye injuries send hundreds of thousands of people to emergency rooms every year, and the majority happen in sports many families consider low-risk. The good news: most are entirely preventable with the right eyewear.

Which Sports Carry the Highest Risk?

• Racquet sports (racquetball, squash, tennis) — a small, fast-moving ball combined with close quarters
• Basketball — fingers, elbows, and the ball itself are common causes of eye contact
• Baseball and softball — both the ball and bats present real risk, especially for younger players
• Water sports — chlorine and contact lens combinations raise infection risk, and some water sports carry impact risk too
• Combat and contact sports (boxing, martial arts, hockey) — carry higher risk of blunt trauma

Common Types of Sports Eye Injuries

• Corneal abrasions from fingers, equipment, or debris
• Blunt trauma from a ball, elbow, or other player
• Orbital fractures from high-impact collisions
• Retinal damage or detachment from significant blunt force

Why Regular Glasses Aren't Enough

Standard eyeglasses, and even many sunglasses, aren't designed to withstand sports-related impact and can shatter, causing additional injury. Real protection requires lenses and frames specifically rated for sports use.

Choosing the Right Protective Eyewear

• Polycarbonate lenses — highly impact-resistant and standard in most quality sports eyewear
• Sport-specific frames — designed to fit securely and withstand the specific impact risks of a given sport
• Prescription sports goggles — allow athletes who need vision correction to get both clear vision and real protection, rather than choosing one or the other

What to Do If an Eye Injury Happens

• Don't rub the eye or apply pressure
• Avoid removing any object that may have penetrated the eye
• Seek medical evaluation promptly, even if the injury seems minor, since some damage (like a retinal issue) isn't immediately obvious
• Any vision change, significant pain, or visible abnormality after an impact warrants same-day evaluation

The Bottom Line

A single piece of proper protective eyewear can prevent the vast majority of sports-related eye injuries. If your kids — or you — play sports without dedicated eye protection, it's an easy gap to close.

Need prescription sports eyewear? Ask about your options at Eyes of the Fox.