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It happens in a split second—a line drive, an elbow under the basket or a racquetball ricocheting off the wall. One unexpected hit can leave an athlete—from a competitive player to a weekend warrior—with a scratched cornea, a detached retina or even permanent vision loss.
According to Prevent Blindness, sports-related eye injuries treated in emergency rooms increased 33% in one year, with basketball leading the list. The good news? Experts estimate that up to 90% of sports-related eye injuries can be prevented with appropriate protective eyewear.
Understanding how these injuries happen is the first step toward preventing them.
Why sports eye injuries happen
- Fast-moving balls, pucks or shuttlecocks
- Contact with an elbow, racket or stick
- Finger pokes during basketball or wrestling
- Sun and glare during outdoor sports, which affect both vision and long-term UV exposure
Which sports carry the greatest risk?
While injuries can happen in any sport, a few stand out for how often they land players in the ER.
- Basketball, the leading cause of sports-related eye injuries nationally
- Soccer and water sports
- Racquet sports, including tennis, pickleball and racquetball. Pickleball deserves special mention because doubles players stand close to the kitchen line, leaving very little time to react to fast-moving balls or paddles.
- Baseball and softball
- Hockey
How to choose protective eyewear
A few key features make the difference between eyewear that works and eyewear that just looks the part.
- Polycarbonate lenses—the gold standard, since they’re lightweight, highly impact-resistant and naturally block nearly all UV rays
- Sport-specific frames rated for the activity, not just any pair of sunglasses
- A snug, secure fit that stays put when you jump, bend, or move quickly—check this before you buy, especially for kids who are still growing into their gear
- UV protection for anything played outdoors—too much unprotected sun exposure can cause photokeratitis (a temporary but painful “sunburn” of the eye) and increase the risk for cataracts and macular degeneration
- Prescription options, so you’re not choosing between clear vision and protection
Sports eyewear myths worth retiring
Unfortunately, several common misconceptions keep athletes from protecting their eyes.
- My regular glasses are enough protection.
Everyday glasses aren’t designed for impact and may shatter, increasing the risk of injury.
- Eyewear is just for younger kids.
No matter what age or level of play, everyone benefits from the right protection.
- It only matters for contact sports.
Racquet sports and baseball have some of the highest rates of eye injuries because of small, fast-moving balls.
- I wear contacts, so my eyes are already protected.
Contacts correct your vision, but they don’t guard against impact. If you wear contacts, pair them with sport-appropriate protective eyewear, just as you would with glasses.
” We don’t think twice about putting on a helmet for bike riding or a mouthguard for hockey, yet so many athletes still leave their eyes unprotected. It just takes one impact to permanently affect your vision, but the right eyewear dramatically lowers that risk. “
Joe Mork, OD
Welia Health Optometrist
Protect your vision for the long game
Whether you’re playing competitive sports, coaching a youth team or enjoying pickleball a few evenings a week, protecting your vision should be part of your game plan. The right eyewear can help keep you safely in the game today—and protect your eyesight for years to come.
Not sure which protective eyewear is right for you or your child? The team at Eye Care Center can help you choose the best option for your sport, your prescription and your level of play. Call us at 320.679.2020 or log in to MyChart to schedule an appointment.
