There are over 30,000 sports related eye-injuries occurring in the United States every year. Of those, 13,500 of them cause vision loss in people. Almost every sport carries some risk of injury, however, sports that involve projectiles have the highest risk. The most injuries occurring in sports like baseball, basketball, and racquet sports. The most common types of sports related eye injuries are corneal abrasions (what I see most in my exam chair), lacerations, as well as blunt trauma and fractures to the eye socket.
 

 
More than 90 percent of eye injuries can be prevented. Before starting any kind of professional sport it is best to have your child get an eye exam so they can see their best while playing. The better they see, the better they can perform.  Personally, I have had many young children improve their game in baseball and basketball when their vision was fully corrected with contact and or prescription sports goggles. Also, if an eye injury does occur, it is good to know what the baseline vision was to compare if any vision loss had happened.
 
Proper eye protection for sports is key in preventing eye-injuries. Eye guards or sports goggles are highly recommend for baseball, basketball, soccer, football, and hockey.  ou can purchase regulated guards and goggles from your Eye Care Practitioner or someplace they recommend. Regular glasses, sunglasses, and contacts do not protect kids from eye injuries. 
 

 
If you think your child has injured their eye or complains of eye pain, please seek immediate care from an Eye Care Practitioner, Pediatrician, or urgent care. The sooner they are seen the better the chances of saving vision and preventing further damage. 

 

xo, Dr. Arian Fartash