Sports Eye Safety Month: Protecting Your Vision On and Off The Field

April is Sports Eye Safety Month, an annual initiative recognized by the American Academy of Ophthalmology to raise awareness about preventing sports-related eye injuries. At C Lane Eye Associates, your trusted eye doctor in Lexington, KY, we want athletes of all ages to understand one simple fact:
 

Nearly 90% of sports eye injuries are preventable with proper protective eyewear. More information can be found regarding this topic at the Ohio Department of Health. 
 

Whether you play recreational sports, compete at a high level, or have children active in school athletics, protecting your eyes should be just as important as wearing a helmet or shin guards.
 

Why Is Sports Eye Safety So Important?

Each year, thousands of eye injuries occur during sports and recreational activities. Many of these injuries can lead to:

• Scratched corneas
• Retinal detachments
• Orbital fractures
• Permanent vision loss

Most of these injuries can be prevented with the right sports eye protection.
 

What Sports Cause the Most Eye Injuries?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, eye injuries are most commonly related with the following sports:

• Basketball
• Baseball & softball
• Soccer
• Racquet sports
• Hockey
• Football
• Lacrosse

Even non-contact sports can pose serious risks from flying objects, collisions, or accidental elbow contact.
 

What Is Sports Protective Eyewear?

Sports protective eyewear is specially designed safety gear made with impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses and durable frames. Unlike regular glasses, sports goggles:

• Meet higher safety standards
• Stay securely in place
• Protect from both frontal and side impact
• Can include your prescription

Regular eyeglasses or sunglasses are not a safe substitute for sports goggles.
 

Who Needs Sports Eye Protection?
 

Children & Teens

Kids are especially vulnerable because:

• They may not recognize injury symptoms
• Their coordination is still developing
• Many youth leagues don’t require protective eyewear

Adults

Recreational leagues and weekend athletes are also at risk. Eye injuries are not limited to competitive sports.
 

Athletes with One Functional Eye

Anyone with reduced vision in one eye should always wear protective eyewear during sports activities.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Eye Safety
 

Do I need sports goggles if I wear contact lenses?

Yes. Contact lenses do not provide impact protection. Protective sports eyewear is still necessary.
 

Can sports eyewear include my prescription?

Yes. Prescription sports goggles provide both clear vision and impact protection.
 

What are sports goggles made from?

Most are made from polycarbonate, a material up to 10 times more impact-resistant than standard plastic lenses.
 

How C Lane Eye Associates Can Help

As a leading eye doctor in Lexington, KY, C Lane Eye Associates provides:

• Comprehensive eye exams 
• Polycarbonate lens upgrades
• Youth and adult fittings
• Emergency eye injury evaluations
• Preventative vision care

Our goal is to help families in Lexington stay active while keeping their vision safe.

 

Your eyes don’t have a backup. Just like helmets protect your head, proper sports eyewear protects your sight.
 

If you or your child participates in sports, schedule an appointment with C Lane Eye Associates, your eye doctor in Lexington, KY.  We will be happy to discuss sports eye protection. Visit our office, or call (859) 787-0936 to book an appointment.
 

Let’s keep Lexington athletes seeing clearly and playing safely all season long.