5 Most Common Sports Eye Injuries and How to Prevent Them
When it comes to sports, protecting your eyes is just as important as safeguarding any other part of your body. From fast-flying balls to accidental elbows, the risk of eye injuries is high in many athletic activities. Fortunately, most sports-related eye injuries can be prevented with the right precautions. Here’s a look at five common eye injuries in sports and how you can avoid them.
1. Corneal Abrasions (Scratches on the Eye)
What It Is: A corneal abrasion occurs when the surface of the eye (cornea) gets scratched by a finger, dust, or even sports equipment. This can cause redness, pain, and sensitivity to light.
How to Prevent It: Wear protective sports eyewear, such as polycarbonate goggles or glasses, to shield your eyes from debris and accidental contact.
2. Blunt Trauma (Black Eye or Orbital Fracture)
What It Is: A direct blow to the eye from a ball, puck, or elbow can result in a black eye, bruising, or even fractures around the eye socket. This can lead to swelling, vision problems, or in severe cases, permanent damage.
How to Prevent It: Sports that involve fast-moving objects, like basketball, baseball, and hockey, require protective eyewear or face shields to minimize impact injuries.
3. Retinal Detachment
What It Is: A severe impact can cause the retina (the light-sensitive layer in the eye) to detach, leading to vision loss or blindness if not treated quickly. Symptoms include flashes of light, floaters, or a shadow in your vision.
How to Prevent It: Wear impact-resistant eye protection, and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms after an eye injury.
4. Hyphema (Bleeding in the Eye)
What It Is: Hyphema occurs when blood collects in the front part of the eye due to trauma. This condition can increase pressure in the eye and lead to vision loss if not treated properly.
How to Prevent It: Helmets with face shields or goggles are crucial for high-contact sports like boxing, martial arts, and lacrosse.
5. UV Damage (Photokeratitis)
What It Is: Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, especially in outdoor sports like skiing, cycling, and water sports, can cause sunburn of the cornea, leading to pain, redness, and temporary vision loss.
How to Prevent It: Wear sports sunglasses with 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays and reduce glare.
Choosing the Right Eyewear
The best way to protect your eyes is by investing in high-quality eyewear. At Bôhten, we offer stylish, durable eyewear with UV protection and impact-resistant lenses designed for active lifestyles. Whether you’re on the field or the slopes, make sure your eyes stay protected.
Eye injuries can be serious, but they’re also highly preventable. By wearing the right protective gear and staying aware of risks, you can keep your vision safe while enjoying your favorite sport.