Sports Eye Safety Gear: What You Should Know

Wearing the proper protective eyewear when playing sports is critical. Apart from reducing the risk of eye injuries, protective eyewear can also boost player performance. Read on as the eye care professionals at Vienna Eyecare Center share an insightful overview on sports eye safety gear. 

What Is Protective Eyewear and Why Is It Important?

Protective eyewear is typically made of ultra-strong polycarbonate that makes it impact resistant. Types of protective eyewear for sports include safety goggles, face guards and other special eyewear. Since regular eyeglasses cannot protect athletes from eye injuries, protective eyewear can be made to match the athletes’ glasses or contact lens prescriptions. Some athletes also prefer wearing safety goggles over their regular glasses or contacts. 

It’s important to note that one of the leading causes of blindness is eye injuries, and most of these are sports-related. In fact, according to the National Eye Institute, 90% of sports-related eye injuries could have been prevented by wearing protective eyewear. 

What Is the Right Type of Eye Protection for Your Sport?

Since some sports require more eye protection than others, it’s crucial to consult your eye doctor to find out what type of eye protection you need for your chosen sport.

• Lacrosse, archery, swimming, football, and snowboarding or skiing – Alongside other protective equipment, be sure to wear specialized face masks or goggles when participating in these sports.
• Soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis and biking – Polycarbonate goggles provide good eye protection. Since polycarbonate is a much stronger material than plastic, it can resist impact better.

Looking for an optometrist in Fairfax, VA, and the surrounding areas? Turn to the eye care professionals at Vienna Eyecare Center! Our team is ready to assist you with your eye-related needs. Call us today at (703) 938-7633 or fill out our contact form to set an appointment.