Sports Eye Safety
Sports Eye Safety – Protecting Your Retina During Play
Sports are a great way to stay active and healthy, but they also come with risks—eye injuries among them. Thousands of sports-related eye injuries are treated in the U.S. each year, and many can cause lasting damage if not addressed quickly.
Sports with the Highest Eye Injury Risk
Some sports are more likely than others to cause eye trauma:
• Basketball & Racquetball – fast-moving balls and close physical contact make these leading causes of sports-related eye injuries.
• Baseball & Softball – pitches and line drives can cause severe blunt trauma.
• Hockey & Lacrosse – sticks, pucks, and balls pose significant hazards.
• Football & Soccer – collisions and accidental pokes to the eye are common.
Practical Steps for Safer Play
• Stay alert. Be mindful of your surroundings and the speed of play.
• Use proper technique. Positioning and awareness help reduce the chance of accidental injury.
• Encourage safe play. Many injuries happen when contact becomes careless or overly aggressive.
When to Seek Immediate Care
Not all eye injuries are obvious at first. Retinal injuries in particular can develop without pain but may lead to permanent vision loss if untreated. After an impact to the eye, seek immediate care if you notice:
• Flashes of light or new floaters
• Blurred or distorted vision
• Loss of peripheral (side) vision
• A curtain-like shadow across your vision
These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which is a medical emergency.
The Bottom Line
Protective eyewear is the most effective way to reduce risk, but even without it, awareness and quick action are key. If an eye injury occurs, don’t wait—prompt evaluation can make all the difference in protecting your sight.
