Protecting Eyes in Sports

November 21, 2025

Every year, about 100,000 sports-related eye injuries occur in the U.S., with thousands leading to permanent vision loss. The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that 90% of serious eye injuries can be prevented with proper protective eyewear.

Sports with the Highest Risk

Basketball, baseball/softball, and hockey account for more than 30% of eye injuries.
Martial arts, wrestling, and boxing pose the greatest risk because eye protection is rarely used.
Soccer, lacrosse, racket sports, and paintball also carry significant risk due to balls, sticks, racquets, or high-velocity projectiles.

Common Eye Injuries

Corneal abrasions (scratches on the eye’s surface)
Foreign bodies (dirt, grass, broken equipment)
Hyphema (bleeding inside the eye)
Retinal detachment or cataract from trauma

Most injuries can be treated in an emergency room or doctor’s office, but severe cases may require hospitalization.

Protective Eyewear Guidelines

Ordinary glasses or sunglasses are not sufficient. Athletes should use sport-specific protective eyewear tested to ASTM standards:

Basketball/Soccer: Goggles or spectacles (ASTM F803-19)
Baseball/Softball: Helmet-mounted polycarbonate faceguards (NOCSAE-approved)
Hockey: Helmet visors or full wire cages (HECC-certified)
Lacrosse/Field Hockey: Goggles approved to ASTM F3077 or F2713, SEI-certified for women’s lacrosse
Racket Sports: Goggles or spectacles (ASTM F3164-19)
Football: Faceguard visors with UV protection
Paintball: Full-face masks with polycarbonate lenses meeting ASTM F1776 standards; goggles alone are not sufficient

Best Practices for Eye Health

Make protective eyewear part of the uniform.
Coaches, parents, and healthcare providers should reinforce safety protocols.
Regular eye exams and prompt treatment of injuries help prevent long-term vision loss.

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