The Importance of Proper Sports Eyewear: Protecting Your Vision on the Field

Whether you are an experienced athlete or new to the sport, remembering to protect your eyes while playing your game is best. Did you know that one of the leading causes of vision impairment in the U.S. is sports-related eye injuries? For this reason, it is crucial to wear the appropriate eyewear when you step onto the field or court.

Sports are an excellent way to stay active and in shape. But if you are not careful, your sport could damage your eyes. Athletes frequently wear body armor like braces, pads, and helmets. But they often forget how crucial protective eyewear is. 

 

Why Sports Eyewear Is Important

Although eye injuries can occur in any sport, some sports have a higher risk than others. For instance, eye injuries are more common in high-impact sports like hockey, football, and basketball than in low-impact ones. From minor scrapes to more severe injuries like corneal abrasions, detached retinas, or blindness, eye injuries can range in severity.

Using sports eyewear can significantly lower the risk of eye injury. Protective eyewear can shield your eyes from flying objects, collisions with other players, and UV radiation from the sun. Sports eyewear also aids in reducing glare, enhancing your field of vision, and giving you a competitive advantage.
 

Types of Sports Eyewear

Sports eyewear comes in various styles based on the sport and the level of protection needed. Some popular ones include the following:
 

Goggles

Goggles are an excellent choice for sports with a high impact risk from flying projectiles. These include basketball, racquetball, and squash. Goggles can protect the eyes from chlorine and other chemicals when swimming or diving.
 

Face Shields

Facial shields are ideal in sports with a significant chance of colliding with other players. Such sports include football and hockey. Face shields can lessen the chance of facial injuries by shielding the eyes, nose, and mouth from blows.

 

Prescription Sports Glasses

Athletes who wear glasses or contact lenses can benefit from prescription sports glasses. These provide both vision correction and protection. Sports prescription eyewear comes in various designs tailored to meet specific requirements.

 

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a necessary piece of eye protection for outdoor activities like baseball, golf, and tennis. They can shield your eyes from UV rays and lessen glare, increasing your field of vision.

 

Choosing the Right Sports Eyewear

The sports eyewear selection is crucial for both performance and protection. Consider the following elements while selecting sports eyewear:
 

Fit

Sports eyewear should be comfortable but snugly fitting. Too loose or too tight eyewear can be distracting and uncomfortable. This can impact how well you play on the field.

 

Protection

Choose eyewear that provides adequate protection for your specific sport and the level of impact involved. Choose eyewear with impact resistance that satisfies the American Society for Testing and Materials criteria.

 

Vision

Choose eyewear that provides clear and unobstructed vision. Consider factors like glare reduction, color enhancement, and prescription needs when choosing sports eyewear.


Sports eyewear is a piece of crucial protective equipment for athletes of all ages and skill levels. Using the proper sports eyewear can increase your field vision, giving you a competitive edge and drastically lowering your risk of eye injury. Whether you are a professional or amateur athlete, prioritize your eye health and invest in proper sports eyewear.

For more on sports eyewear, visit In Focus Vision Center at our Piscataway, New Jersey office. Call (732) 313-2570 to schedule an appointment today.