Millions of kids participate in summer sports, such as baseball, flag football, and swimming. Sports offer a fun, accessible way to stay fit and socialize with friends, but without the proper protection, they may also lead to eye injuries.
The good news is that most eye injuries can be prevented with education and protective equipment. At Wide Eye Optometry, Mary Demirjian, OD, and our team specialize in pediatric eye care and regularly educate parents and kids on eye injury prevention.
Here’s why eye protection matters — especially during sports — and how you can protect your child’s vision with consistent safety habits and the right equipment.
About 30,000 children and teens experience sports-related eye injuries each year. Most of these injuries are minor, but a small percentage cause significant irritation or vision loss.
You might assume that your child isn’t at risk if they don’t play contact sports, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Eye injuries can happen during routine activities, such as running or playing on the playground. Preventive measures and protective gear can help reduce these risks and provide peace of mind.
Here are a few easy things you can do to help protect your child’s vision:
One of the best ways to prevent an injury is to invest in protective eyewear, such as sports goggles, especially if your child already wears glasses.
Sports goggles are made from light, durable materials that are comfortable and designed to withstand impacts from balls, elbows, or falls. The lenses can be customized to your child’s prescription to help them see clearly, too.
Physical injuries aren’t the only thing you need to be worried about when it comes to summer sports. Spending extended periods outdoors also exposes your child’s eyes to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Make sure any sunglasses you purchase offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. Wraparound sunglasses are particularly beneficial for this purpose. In addition, look for sunglasses made with durable, impact-resistant lenses, as they can add an extra layer of protection if your child plays sports like baseball, soccer, or football.
Oftentimes, it isn’t the sport itself that causes eye injuries, but related behaviors. Educate your child on safe play practices. For example, if they play baseball, remind them to avoid throwing or swinging equipment near others.
Similarly, teach your child to speak up if their eyes feel irritated or painful. Sweat and dirt often get in the eyes, but prompt action can reduce the risk of a corneal abrasion or another similar injury.
Sharp vision is important for depth perception and reaction time. If your child is nearsighted or farsighted, they may have difficulty making catches or accurate throws.
If it’s been more than a year since your child’s last eye exam, the start of a new sports season is a good time to schedule a visit. We can check for any potential issues, such as eye disease, and update their glasses or contact lenses prescription if necessary.
Summer sports are a childhood rite of passage, but they can increase the risk of eye injury. If you’re concerned about your child’s vision and safety, schedule an eye exam today.
Call or click online to book an appointment at your nearest Wide Eye Optometry office in Encino, Santa Clarita, or Palmdale, California. We’re here to support your child’s comfort and vision through the summer season — and beyond.