September is Sports Eye Safety Month, a time to bring awareness to one of the most preventable causes of vision loss: sports-related eye injuries. Whether you’re a weekend pickleball warrior, a teen athlete, or a parent cheering from the sidelines, understanding the risks and knowing how to respond can make all the difference.
The Numbers Are Eye-Opening
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), tens of thousands of sports-related eye injuries occur in the United States every year, with about 90% of them considered preventable. These injuries aren’t limited to just professional athletes or high-contact sports either. Basketball, baseball, racquet sports, soccer, and even recreational activities like cycling or fishing can lead to serious eye trauma.
Who’s Most at Risk?
- Children and Teens: Developing coordination and risk awareness means they’re especially vulnerable.
- Athletes in Ball or Projectile Sports: These have higher rates of blunt trauma.
- Adults in Racquet, Fishing, or DIY Recreational Sports: Eye injuries can happen unexpectedly, even with a rebound or flying object.
What Kinds of Injuries Are We Talking About?
Some of the most common include:
- Corneal abrasions (scratches on the surface of the eye)
- Blunt trauma (from balls, elbows, or collisions)
- Penetrating injuries (from equipment or flying debris)
- Retinal detachments or fractures (more severe but possible with forceful impact)
These can lead to vision loss, scarring, or long-term complications if not treated promptly.
What Should You Do if You Get Hit in the Eye?
Don’t wait it out, even minor trauma can lead to complications later. When in doubt, get checked out! We recommend:
- Immediate cold compresses (not pressure) to reduce swelling
- Avoid rubbing the eye
- Do not attempt to remove any object stuck in the eye
- Call us (860-838-3838) or seek emergency medical attention promptly, especially if there is:
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- Pain
- Vision changes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blood in or around the eye
Our team at OculusDocs can help you decide if an injury needs an in-person visit. Early evaluation is critical to avoid complications.
Preventive Tips Everyone Should Know
Even though we do not sell sports goggles, we want to be a trusted resource for your family’s eye safety. Here are a few prevention tips:
- Wear protective eyewear made of polycarbonate lenses for high-impact sports
- Educate young athletes on the importance of eye protection
- Replace damaged eyewear or scratched lenses immediately
- Be cautious with DIY projects and weekend recreational activities, many injuries happen off the field
Did You Know?
Protective sports eyewear doesn’t have to be prescription, and it should always meet the ASTM F803 standard, which is recommended by the AOA and National Eye Institute for impact protection.
From the Eye Care Team at OculusDocs
As your partners in wellness through eye care, we encourage you to take sports eye safety seriously. Prevention, awareness, and timely response are key.
If you’ve experienced an eye injury, minor or major, or are due for your yearly exam, call us today.
Sources:
- American Optometric Association. Sports Vision and Eye Protection. https://www.aoa.org
- National Eye Institute. Facts About Sports Eye Safety. https://nei.nih.gov
- Professional content reviewed and adapted by the eye care team at OculusDocs (2025).
- ChatGPT (2025). Draft prepared using medically reviewed content from optometric sources and current research.