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Raising Awareness for Sports Eye Safety Month

In the world of sports, safety is paramount, especially when it comes to protecting your vision. This September, Prevent Blindness, the leading advocacy organization focused on preventing vision loss, has designated the month as Sports Eye Safety Month. With startling statistics indicating more than 44,000 sports-related eye injuries treated in the United States in 2025, this initiative is more critical than ever.

According to recent findings, various sports display differing risks for eye injuries. For individuals aged 15 and older, basketball ranks as the sport with the highest incidence of eye injuries. In contrast, swimming and water-related activities lead to the most incidents for younger athletes under 14. The rise in popularity of pickleball, a fast-growing sport, has also correlated with an increase in eye injuries, predominantly occurring from impacts by the ball or paddle and accidental falls.

Severity of Eye Injuries

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has pointed out specific demographics that are at increased risk of significant eye injuries during sports activities. Individuals with myopia and those who have undergone previous eye surgeries face a higher likelihood of severe consequences from such injuries. Common injuries include:

• - Corneal Abrasions: Damage caused by the edge of an object, such as a ball, scratching the eye's surface.
• - Berlin's Edema: This condition affects the retina's outer layers, resulting in temporary vision loss.
• - Retinal Tears or Detachment: Serious injuries that can stem from direct impacts, particularly with fast-moving objects like pickleballs.

The Importance of Eye Protection

Prevent Blindness is making strides to educate the public on the crucial role of proper eye protection while engaging in sports. They offer a range of resources, including a specialized webpage dedicated to eye safety in sports, informative fact sheets, and easy-to-share social media content aimed at raising awareness.

An exciting addition to this year's educational offerings is an episode on Sports Eye Safety featured in the Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health Expert Series. In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Marioneaux, a member of the Prevent Blindness Board of Directors and President-Elect of the AAO, discusses the critical nature of eye protection in sports. Accompanying this series is a podcast episode featuring Shanyn A. Toulouse, focusing on children's vision protection during sports.

Dr. Marioneaux emphasizes, "The proper eye protection when playing sports should always be considered a part of the uniform. Talk to your eye doctor to ensure you have the right eye protection tailored for your sport and individual needs, including UV-blocking lenses."

Beyond Standard Eyewear

While many athletes rely on prescription glasses or sunglasses, these do not offer sufficient protection during sports. Depending on the sport and age of the player, additional protective gear such as helmet-mounted face guards, face shields, or face cages may be recommended or even mandated by league regulations. All eyewear should align with sport-specific ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards to ensure maximum protection.

For those participating in pickleball, an updated list of recommended protective eyewear can be found at PreventBlindness.org/recommended-sports-eye-protectors, emphasizing the importance of using gear designed to withstand the rigors of play.

In conclusion, as Sports Eye Safety Month unfolds this September, Prevent Blindness reiterates its commitment to reducing the incidence of eye injuries through education, advocacy, and proper protective measures. To learn more about sports eye safety, visit PreventBlindness.org/sports-eye-safety and join the movement for safer sports practices. Together, we can help keep athletes of all ages safe on the field and court.

About Prevent Blindness

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness has been at the forefront of vision health advocacy and education. The organization reaches millions each year through various programs designed to promote eye health. Supported by the generosity of the American public, Prevent Blindness aims to eliminate preventable blindness in the United States. Follow them on social media platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube for more updates.