Sports Eye Safety

There are plenty of sports-related eye injuries that happen each year in and around Albuquerque, NM. However, Albuquerque Vision Care and Advanced Eyewear would like you to know that you can prevent most of these eye injuries by wearing the appropriate protective eyewear. Different sports have different risks for eye injuries so it’s important that you wear the right kind of eye protection for that activity. Regular eyeglasses don’t offer adequate protection and can make eye injuries worse if they shatter.

What Sports Cause Injuries?

Basketball is the leading cause of most sports injuries. Other sports include baseball, racquetball, softball, and hockey. Boxing and other full-contact martial arts can also pose a high risk. Spectators at sports should also be careful. Bats and balls can end up in the stands at any time so always keep your eye on the game.

You should also be careful during games or activities that involve sharp objects or projectiles that could cause injury if they come in contact with the eye. If you already have reduced vision in one eye then you should consider if it is worth the risk to injure your good eye before you participate in a high-impact sport.

Ways to Avoid Sports Injuries and Protect Your Vision

To avoid sports injuries, there are several things you can do to protect your eyes. Wear the right safety goggles. You want to make sure that you have polycarbonate lenses to prevent breakage. Batting helmets should also have polycarbonate face shields. Polycarbonate is a much stronger material than regular plastic. Sometimes these types of goggles can also match your vision prescription so you can wear the goggles and the glasses at the same time. Goggles can be worn exclusively for certain sports, such as water polo. Be sure that you are still following any safety guidelines for the protective goggles and the sport. In some instances, it may be better to not use goggles at all.

Work with Your Optometry Clinic

If you aren’t sure what gear is right for the sport or you’re looking for ways to improve your sports vision, see your eye doctor at your optometry clinic. Call Albuquerque Vision Care and Advanced Eyewear today at (505) 332-2020 to schedule an appointment.