Athletes across all sports risk being hurt each time they compete. While strained muscles and fractured bones are some of the most common sports-related injuries, eye problems are often overlooked yet equally serious. No matter their playing field or skill level, athletes should invest in prescription safety glasses to prevent damage to their vision and keep them in the game.
Implement Extra Safety Measures During Contact Sports
It is no surprise that a heightened possibility of injury comes with playing contact sports, especially ones that typically require no protective equipment. Whereas football players wear helmets to protect their eyes and face, basketball players hit the court with minimal gear, putting them at a higher risk of eye damage. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, over 96% of players in the National Basketball Association who suffered injuries like eyelid lacerations and orbital fractures did not have on any protective eyewear. The same NLM study found that these injuries commonly occurred while rebounding or playing offense.
Other contact sports like wrestling and various mixed martial arts disciplines are considered high risk for eye injury. Using prescription safety goggles while participating can drastically reduce the chance of damaging your eyes. You can avoid experiencing the following common symptoms of damage:
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Cuts or bruises around the eye area
- Inability to open eye due to swelling
- Pain or discomfort
Protect Your Eyes From Outdoor Elements
Prescription safety glasses provide eye armor during contact sports and non-contact activities as well, particularly those that take place outside. Sun exposure can commonly lead to radiation injury in your eyes. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause long-term eye damage, including problems like cataracts, growths on the eye and even cancer. Any sport or activity performed outside poses this risk to athletes, making it imperative that they protect their vision from harmful rays with the right pair of UV-blocking prescription shades.
Sports safety glasses also make a difference when it comes to dusty air particles and debris that may afflict outdoor cyclists. A scenic bike ride may soon turn dangerous if a passing car kicks up small rocks headed toward a rider’s line of vision. Cyclists are also subject to pollen, allergens and dust, which can cause irritation and discomfort if they get in the eyes.
Do Not Let Your Children Get Hurt
You do not have to be a professional or even a seasoned athlete to be at risk for an eye injury. In fact, the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine found that children suffer most of the 40,000 sports-related eye injuries that occur annually. Fortunately, more than 90% of these incidents can be prevented with the use of protective eyewear during physical activity.
Whether you are an avid basketball player, martial arts enthusiast or outdoor bike rider, do not risk getting an eye injury that could leave you on the sidelines of your favorite activity. Browse Safety Gear Pro’s vast inventory of prescription safety glasses to find the right fit for you.
